Suspense

/səˈspɛns/ · noun

Meaning

The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time..

Definitions by Sense

1. The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
2. The pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
3. The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.
4. (law) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.
5. (US, military) A deadline.
6. (obsolete) Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
7. (obsolete) Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.

Example Sentences

For thee the Fates, severely kind, ordain / A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain; / Thy life a long dead calm of fix'd repose; / No pulse that riots, and no blood that glows.

Ten days the prophet in suspense remain'd.

I believe that, to the young, suspense is the most intolerable suffering. Active misery always brings with it its own power of endurance.

She sent us that assignment with a suspense of noon tomorrow.

[The great light of day] suspens in heav'n.

Expectation held his look suspense.

Synonyms for suspense

Antonyms for suspense

Related Words

Word Forms

• suspenses
• suspence

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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