Wordnet 3.0
NOUN (3)
1.
apprehension about what is going to happen;
2.
an uncertain cognitive state;
- Example: "the matter remained in suspense for several years"3.
excited anticipation of an approaching climax;
- Example: "the play kept the audience in suspense"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Suspense \Sus*pense"\, a. [F. suspens, L. suspensus, p. p. of
suspendere. See Suspend.]
1. Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
[Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
[The great light of day] suspense in heaven.
--Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt. [Obs.]
"Expectation held his look suspense." --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Suspense \Sus*pense"\, n. [From F. suspens, a. See Suspense,
a.]
1. The state of being suspended; specifically, a state of
uncertainty and expectation, with anxiety or apprehension;
indetermination; indecision; as, the suspense of a person
waiting for the verdict of a jury.
[1913 Webster]
Ten days the prophet in suspense remained. --Denham.
[1913 Webster]
Upon the ticklish balance of suspense. --Cowper.
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2. Cessation for a time; stop; pause.
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A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain. --Pope.
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3. [Cf. F. suspense.] (Law) 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.
[1913 Webster]
Suspense account (Bookkeeping), an account in which
receipts or disbursements are temporarily entered until
their proper position in the books is determined.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
suspense
n 1: apprehension about what is going to happen
2: an uncertain cognitive state; "the matter remained in
suspense for several years"
3: excited anticipation of an approaching climax; "the play kept
the audience in suspense"