What is the meaning of protracted?

verb

• Lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer.
  • usage: "We prolonged our stay"; "She extended her visit by another day"; "The meeting was drawn out until midnight"
  • synonyms: prolong, protract, extend, draw out

adjective

• Relatively long in duration; tediously protracted.
  • usage: "a drawn-out argument"; "an extended discussion"; "a lengthy visit from her mother-in-law"; "a prolonged and bitter struggle"; "protracted negotiations"
  • synonyms: drawn-out, extended, lengthy, prolonged