What action does "protract" suggest?

The word "protract" fundamentally means to extend in time or duration. When something is protracted, it is drawn out or prolonged beyond the usual or expected timeframe. This connotation aligns well with option B, which states that protract means to extend over a period of time.

In contexts where discussions, negotiations, or processes become longer than anticipated, the term 'protract' effectively describes that elongation. This is why option B accurately captures the essence of the word and reflects its usage in both everyday language and formal writing. The other options, which suggest actions like compressing, declaring abruptly, or concluding hastily, focus on completing or shortening an event, which would run counter to the original meaning of "protract."