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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- suspenses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Related words
Rhymes for suspense
See all rhymes for suspense →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.
