prolong

Etymology

Either a back-formation from prolongation, or from Old French prolonguer or porloignier, from Latin prōlongō, from prō + longō. Doublet of purloin.

verb

1. (transitive) To extend in space or length.
2. (transitive) To lengthen in time; to extend the duration of
   Complaining prolongs one’s pain.
   The departure was not unduly prolonged. In the road Mr. Love and the driver favoured the company with a brief chanty running. “Got it?—No, I ain't, 'old on,—Got it? Got it?—No, 'old on sir.” 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 5, in A Cuckoo in the Nest
3. (transitive) To put off to a distant time; to postpone.
   The government shouldn't prolong deciding on this issue any further.
4. (intransitive) To become longer; lengthen.