suspense
/səˈspɛns/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: suspenses
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
Noun
Examples
For thee the Fates, severely kind, ordain / A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain; / Thy life a long dead calm of fix'd repose; / No pulse that riots, and no blood that glows.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “suspense” mean?
The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
Is “suspense” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.