Suspense
/səˈspɛns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe feeling of excitement or anxiety you get when you don't know what's going to happen next.
/səˈspɛns/
A state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.
The movie was full of suspense, making me jump at every little sound.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're watching a scary movie and you cover your eyes because you're so curious and nervous about what's going to jump out next. That feeling is suspense!
👶 For kids: It's like when you're waiting for a surprise, like a birthday party, and you don't know what's going to happen!
More Examples
The cliffhanger ending left the audience in suspense.
There was a lot of suspense surrounding the mystery of the missing jewels.
How It's Used
"The novel was filled with suspense, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat."
"The movie's plot built suspense, leading to a thrilling climax."
"There was a great deal of suspense as the final score was announced."
A temporary stopping or delaying, usually of something important.
/səˈspɛns/
A state of being held in a temporary state of abeyance.
The company put the investigation on suspense until further evidence was gathered.
💡 Simply: When you pause something for a little while, like putting a project on hold, that's a form of suspense.
👶 For kids: It's like when you can't do something right now, so you have to wait for a little bit.
More Examples
The rules concerning new regulations were put into a state of suspense.
There was a temporary suspense of flights due to the storm.
How It's Used
"The judge declared a temporary suspense of the proceedings."
"The project was put on temporary suspense."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
keep someone in suspense
To cause someone to be in a state of excitement or anxiety because they do not know what is going to happen.
"The author deliberately kept the reader in suspense until the very last page."
From Middle French *suspens*, from Latin *suspensus*, past participle of *suspendere* ('to hang up, delay'), from *sub-* ('up to') + *pendere* ('to hang').
The word 'suspense' has been used to describe a state of anxious anticipation since the 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of a movie where you're constantly leaning forward, wondering what will happen – that's suspense.
Word Origin
"to hang up; delay"