suspended animation

noun

1. a state of temporary cessation of the vital functions.

suspended animation

noun

1. a temporary cessation of the vital functions, as by freezing an organism

Word History and Origins

Origin of suspended animation¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

To survive the annual dry season, the fish's embryos enter a state of extreme suspended animation or "diapause" for approximately 8 months.

From Science Daily

The new study, published in the journal Protein Science, examines the mechanisms used by tardigrades to enter and exit from suspended animation when faced by environmental stress.

From Science Daily

In a pose reminiscent of the fight scenes from “The Matrix” franchise, Björk appears in suspended animation, her back arched, head frozen above the faucet, arms dangling at her sides.

From Los Angeles Times

The startup was set up by three Weizmann Institute of Technology doctoral graduates, who developed a technology that induces neonatal larvae into suspended animation to extend shelf life for shipment purposes.

From Scientific American

Torpor induction in humans also holds the futuristic potential to support suspended animation for journeys across vast stretches of lonely space.

From Scientific American