suspension
suh-SPEHN-shuhn
Suspension (noun) means a temporary stop or delay of something. Example: “Heavy snow caused a suspension of flights at the small airport.”
noun
1
A temporary stop or delay of something.
"Heavy snow caused a suspension of flights at the small airport."
"The strike led to a suspension of train services."
"He received a two-match suspension for the foul."
2
The system of springs and shock absorbers in a vehicle that smooths out the ride.
"The mechanic said the van needed new suspension before it could carry heavy loads."
"A good suspension makes a long journey far more comfortable for passengers."
"The car's suspension struggled on the bumpy road."
3
A mixture in which fine particles are spread through a liquid without dissolving.
"In the science lesson, we made a suspension by stirring fine sand into water."
"Muddy water is a suspension, because the tiny bits of soil float in it."
"Shake the bottle well — the medicine is a suspension that settles over time."
How to use suspension
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA temporary halt, a vehicle's spring system, or fine particles floating in a liquid, depending on context.
Common pairings
car suspension
a suspension of disbelief
serve a suspension
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Word forms
- Plural
- suspensions
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Heavy snow caused a _____ of flights at the small airport.
Etymology
From Late Latin suspensionem, "hanging, arching," from suspendere — from sub- ("under") plus pendere ("to hang").
Synonyms
View more →
pause
halt
cessation
adjournment
deferral
moratorium
abatement
out-of-school suspension
intermission
interruption
stop
syncope
Related words
Rhymes for suspension
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for suspension →
Frequently asked questions
What does “suspension” mean?
The word “suspension” means a temporary stop or delay of something. In plain terms, a temporary halt, a vehicle's spring system, or fine particles floating in a liquid, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “suspension”?
“Suspension” is pronounced suh-SPEHN-shuhn (/səˈspɛnʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “suspension” in a sentence?
Here is “suspension” used in a sentence: “The strike led to a suspension of train services.”
What is another word for “suspension”?
Words with a similar meaning to “suspension” include out-of-school suspension, intermission, interruption, stop and syncope.
What part of speech is “suspension”?
“Suspension” is a noun.
Where does the word “suspension” come from?
The word “suspension” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin suspensionem, "hanging, arching," from suspendere — from sub- ("under") plus pendere ("to hang").
Is “suspension” a common word?
“Suspension” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “suspension” have?
“Suspension” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a temporary stop or delay of something.
What is the difference between "suspension" and "expulsion" from school?
A "suspension" is a temporary removal from school for a set period, after which the student returns. An "expulsion" is permanent, meaning the student is removed for good. Suspension is a temporary stop, while expulsion is final.
What is the difference between "suspension" and "postponement"?
A "suspension" is a temporary stop or delay of an activity, often without a fixed end date. A "postponement" moves an event to a specific later time. Suspension pauses something indefinitely, while postponement reschedules it.
What is a "suspension bridge"?
A "suspension bridge" is a bridge whose roadway hangs from cables strung between tall towers. It takes its name from the way the deck is suspended, or held up from above, rather than resting on supports from below.
What does the suspension do in a car?
In a vehicle, the "suspension" is the system of springs and shock absorbers that smooths out the ride. It absorbs bumps in the road so the passengers feel less movement and the wheels keep good contact with the surface.
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