ENGLISH
REFERENCE

suspended

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //səˈspɛndɪd// UK //səspˈɛndɪd// sus·pend·ed

v. to stop something for a short time or to hang something from above. You might use this when a game stops because of rain or when a light hangs from the ceiling.

v. to temporarily prevent from continuing or being in force; alternatively, to hang something so that it is supported from above. Often used in legal or administrative contexts to describe a temporary pause in a person's rights or duties.


SIMPLE

The referee suspended the match because of the heavy rain.

CONTEXTUAL

The school board decided to suspend the student for three days following the incident in the hallway.

COMPLEX

The committee chose to suspend the investigation until new evidence could be properly catalogued and reviewed by the legal team.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. In its physical sense, it often takes the preposition 'from'.

Pitfall

The game suspended because of rain.The game was suspended because of rain.When an event is stopped by an outside force, use the passive voice; the game does not stop itself.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference