1. A brief period of time that seems to last longer than it actually does, often due to intense emotion or heightened awareness
In that prolonged instant, everything seemed to slow down.
Naquele instante prolongado, tudo parecia desacelerar.
2. A single moment that has been stretched or extended in duration, either literally or perceptually
The instante prolongado of the accident felt like an eternity.
O instante prolongado do acidente pareceu uma eternidade.