Added 10 October 2026
suspense
/səˈspɛns/ noun
Latin root: suspēnsus Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about suspense at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
- The pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
- The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.
adjective
- Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
- Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.
Origin
From Middle English suspense, suspence, from Anglo-Norman suspens (as in en suspens) and Old French suspens, from Latin suspēnsus.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)