/ səˈspend; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
[usually + adv. / prep. ] suspend sth/sb (from sth) (by / on sth) to hang sth from sth else :
A lamp was suspended from the ceiling.
Her body was found suspended by a rope.
2.
to officially stop sth for a time; to prevent sth from being active, used, etc. for a time :
Production has been suspended while safety checks are carried out.
The constitution was suspended as the fighting grew worse.
In the theatre we willingly suspend disbelief (= temporarily believe that the characters, etc. are real) .
3.
to officially delay sth; to arrange for sth to happen later than planned :
The introduction of the new system has been suspended until next year.
to suspend judgement (= delay forming or expressing an opinion)
4.
[ usually passive ] suspend sb (from sth) to officially prevent sb from doing their job, going to school, etc. for a time :
The police officer was suspended while the complaint was investigated.
5.
be suspended in sth ( technical ) to float in liquid or air without moving
—see also suspension
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French suspendre or Latin suspendere , from sub- from below + pendere hang.