# suspense

/səˈspɛns/ (US) · /səspˈɛns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suspense
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. excitement about an outcome

noun · CEFR B2

the feeling of excitement or tension you have when you are waiting to find out what happens next in a story or movie.

For teachers: the pleasurable state of anticipation regarding the resolution of a narrative or event.

- The movie kept us in suspense until the very last scene.
- The director masterfully builds suspense by withholding key information from the audience until the final act of the play.

### 2. anxiety from uncertainty

noun · CEFR B2

a nervous or worried feeling because you do not know what will happen in a difficult situation.

For teachers: a state of painful or anxious uncertainty while awaiting a decision or outcome.

- The suspense of waiting for the medical results was hard to handle.
- The long silence from the jury kept the defendant in agonizing suspense for several hours.

### 3. legal suspension

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a temporary stop or delay in a legal right or process.

For teachers: the temporary cessation or interruption of a right, claim, or legal proceeding.

- The payment of the rent was held in suspense until the owner was found.
- The court ruled that the property rights would remain in suspense pending the outcome of the probate investigation.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'in suspense'.

### 4. a deadline

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

a specific date or time when a task must be finished.

For teachers: a fixed time limit or deadline for the completion of a task or report.

- The captain set a suspense for the end of the week to finish the report.
- All departments must meet the suspense of Friday afternoon to ensure the budget is submitted on time.

Usage: Commonly used in military or government administrative contexts.

## Examples

- The movie kept us in suspense until the end.
- The detective novel builds suspense by revealing clues slowly.
- The director used silence and shadow to heighten the suspense before the final reveal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.