51Թ

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View synonyms for

suspense

[ suh-spens ]

noun

  1. a state or condition of mental uncertainty or excitement, as in awaiting a decision or outcome, usually accompanied by a degree of apprehension or anxiety.
  2. a state of mental indecision.
  3. undecided or doubtful condition, as of affairs:

    For a few days matters hung in suspense.

  4. the state or condition of being suspended.


suspense

/ əˈɛԲ /

noun

  1. the condition of being insecure or uncertain

    the matter of the succession remained in suspense for many years

  2. mental uncertainty; anxiety

    their father's illness kept them in a state of suspense

  3. excitement felt at the approach of the climax

    a play of terrifying suspense

  4. the condition of being suspended
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ܲˈԲڳܱ, adjective
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ܲ·Բfܱ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of suspense1

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin ܲŧԲܳ deferment, suspension, uncertainty, noun use of neuter of Latin ܲŧԲܲ hung up, doubtful, in suspense (past participle of suspendere to hang up, leave undecided), equivalent to sus- sus- + ŧԲܲ ( pend-, stem of pendere (translation) to hang ( pend ) + -tus past participle suffix, with dt > s )
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of suspense1

C15: from Medieval Latin suspensum delay, from Latin suspendere to hang up; see suspend
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“There was suspense when he was returning from Hong Kong, because I know he was trying to bargain an asylum,” Villanueva recalled.

From

As it stands, the characterization is thin, the motivations are overdetermined, and the Colony’s endurance demands too steep a suspense of disbelief.

From

The crew of at least a dozen people were on the edge of their seats the whole show, spreading a sense of suspense, joy and anticipation throughout the telecast.

From

The Rams, who want this thing settled before a repeat of last summer’s suspense, are willing to give him more money.

From

There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage.

From

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