suspense

noun

1. 1

   The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.

   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.

2. 2

   The pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.

3. 3

   The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.

   Ten days the prophet in suspense remain'd.

   I believe that, to the young, suspense is the most intolerable suffering. Active misery always brings with it its own power of endurance.

4. 4

   A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.

5. 5

   A deadline.

   She sent us that assignment with a suspense of noon tomorrow.

adjective

1. 1

   obsoleteHeld or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.

   [The great light of day] suspens in heav'n.

2. 2

   obsoleteExpressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.

   Expectation held his look suspense.

Forms

plural

suspenses