noun Uncommon

suspense

suh-SPEHNS

Suspense (noun) means a feeling of nervous excitement or anxiety while waiting to find out what happens. Example: “The suspense was killing her as she waited for the results.”

noun

A feeling of nervous excitement or anxiety while waiting to find out what happens.

"The suspense was killing her as she waited for the results."

"The film builds suspense right up to the final scene."

How to use suspense

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe tense, uncertain feeling of waiting to find out what happens next.

Common pairings

build suspense the suspense is killing me keep someone in suspense

Word forms

suspenses plural

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The _____ was killing her as she waited for the results.

Etymology

From Old French suspens, from Latin suspensus, "hung up" — the same root as "suspend."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for suspense

tense sense dense incense immense offense intense license expense defense nonsense condense

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Frequently asked questions

What does “suspense” mean?

The word “suspense” means a feeling of nervous excitement or anxiety while waiting to find out what happens. In plain terms, the tense, uncertain feeling of waiting to find out what happens next.

How do you pronounce “suspense”?

“Suspense” is pronounced suh-SPEHNS (/səˈspɛns/ in IPA).

How do you use “suspense” in a sentence?

Here is “suspense” used in a sentence: “The suspense was killing her as she waited for the results.”

What part of speech is “suspense”?

“Suspense” is a noun.

Where does the word “suspense” come from?

The word “suspense” comes from Latin. From Old French suspens, from Latin suspensus, "hung up" — the same root as "suspend.".

Is “suspense” a common word?

“Suspense” is an uncommon word in modern English.