Meaning & Definition of word "Suspense"
Suspense
/səˈspɛns/
noun:
- 1. A state of feeling excited or anxious about what may happen next.
- Example: The movie was filled with suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
- 2. A quality in a literary work that arouses excited expectation or uncertainty about what may happen.
- Example: The author skillfully built suspense throughout the novel, leading to a shocking climax.
- 3. The condition of being undecided or uncertain.
- Example: There was a sense of suspense in the air as the results of the election were announced.
Etymology
●From Middle English, from Old French 'suspens', from Latin 'suspensio'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
suspense build-up:
The gradual increase of tension leading to a climax.
leave in suspense:
To keep someone uncertain about what will happen next.
suspenseful moment:
A critical point in a story that creates tension or uncertainty.
Related Words
tension:
Mental or emotional strain.
anticipation:
Expectation or prediction of something.
drama:
A situation or sequence of events that is exciting and full of conflict.
Slang Meanings of suspense
Meaning: Nail-biter
● Example Sentence: That last scene was a real nail-biter, full of suspense.
Meaning: Page-turner
● Example Sentence: The book was such a page-turner, I couldn't put it down because of the suspense.