suspense

sus·pense

noun \sə-ˈspen(t)s\

Definition of SUSPENSE

1

: the state of being suspended : suspension

2

a : mental uncertainty : anxiety

b : pleasant excitement as to a decision or outcome <a novel of suspense>

3

: the state or character of being undecided or doubtful : indecisiveness

— sus·pense·ful \-fəl\ adjective

— sus·pense·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— sus·pense·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

— sus·pense·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of SUSPENSE

1. I can't bear the suspense.
2. The suspense builds as the story progresses.
3. Alfred Hitchcock was a master of suspense.
4. The movie is a suspense thriller.

Origin of SUSPENSE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from suspendre

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SUSPENSE

Synonyms

cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, abeyance, suspension

Antonyms

continuance, continuation

Related Words

inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness; impasse, standstill; coma, hibernation, hypnosis, repose, rest, sleep, slumber, torpor; recess, recession, remission; downtime, idleness, layoff

Near Antonyms

recommencement, renewal, resumption, resuscitation

Rhymes with SUSPENSE

defense, expense, horse sense, incense, nonsense, past tense, sequence, sixth sense