bated

[ bey-tid ]

adjective

1. moderated or restrained:

   Their solemn faces, their fidgeting, and the bated whispers in which they spoke all told of nerves strained to the breaking point.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of bate ¹.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bated¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; bate ¹( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective; bate ¹( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. with bated breath, with breath drawn in or held because of anticipation or suspense:

   We watched with bated breath as the runners approached the finish line.

Example Sentences

Finally, with the reservoir filled with water, I plugged in the pump and stood over my creation with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times

This isn’t just the story of a young woman doing the seemingly impossible — it’s a mass media story taking place in a newly globalized world that’s collectively listening with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times

And then, fans waited with bated breath anticipating the next move. Those on social media felt Lamar wasn't up for the fight, given he had yet to respond.

From BBC

And this region, and many capitals beyond, are watching and waiting with bated breath to see what Iran does next.

From BBC

When the news broke about Navalny's death, everyone waited with bated breath to see what Trump would say about it.

From Salon

Related Words

• delicate
• dim
• distant
• dull
• far-off
• gentle
• hazy
• inaudible
• mild
• muffled
• muted
• remote
• slight
• soft
• soothing
• stifled
• vague
• weak