I. səˈspen(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from feminine of suspens suspended, in doubt, hesitant, from Latin suspensus, from past participle of suspendere to suspend
1.
a. : the state of being suspended : temporary cessation : suspension
asks for suspense of judgment — Manchester Guardian Weekly
b. : the state in which a temporary cessation of one's legal right exists
2.
a. : mental uncertainty : anxiety , apprehension
the thought of the suspense and terror that my absence must engender in my loved ones — Elinor Wylie
the suspense which was more terrible than any certainty — Ellen Glasgow
b. : pleasant excitement as to a decision or outcome
a novel of suspense
3. : the state or character of being undecided, not decided, or doubtful : lack of certainty : indecisiveness
our next strategic move was still in suspense — Sir Winston Churchill
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French suspens — more at suspense I
1. : waiting for the outcome : held in suspension : suspended , withheld
2. : hesitant , cautious