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

/ səˈspɛns /

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

Derived Forms

• susˈpenseful, adjective

Other Words From

• sus·penseful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suspense¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of suspense¹

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

Example Sentences

The real election suspense is whether voters will back Rickert or Harmon.

From Los Angeles Times

Alfred Hitchcock, known as “The Master of Suspense,” has been the subject of many books, documentaries and feature films over the years.

From Salon

"Kendrick’s image as an actor isn’t necessarily tied to dark, edgy material, but as a director she shows a talent for staging scenes of Hitchcockian suspense alongside her signature wit," said IndieWire's Katie Rife.

From BBC

Fear, suspense, terror — those aren’t really on the menu at one of these installments.

From Los Angeles Times

"In Berger's studious and elegant hands, every ceremoniously cast vote, every reaction shot, every severely worn regalia and every quietly eventful meal that the cardinals share is packed with breathless, skin-prickling suspense."

From BBC

Related Words

• anxiety
• apprehension
• confusion
• doubt
• insecurity
• tension
• thriller
• uncertainty