apprehension about what is going to happen
"The audience held their breath in suspense as they waited to see if the hero would escape before time ran out."
The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
"The suspense in the air grew as the heavy door remained shut, promising a brief cessation before the inevitable reveal."
In plain English: Suspense is that nervous feeling of waiting to see what happens next when you are not sure if something good or bad will occur.
"The audience held their breath in suspense, waiting to see if the detective would solve the mystery before time ran out."
Usage: Use suspense to describe the feeling of anxious uncertainty about what will happen next, rather than referring to something that is physically stopped or paused. This word specifically captures emotional tension in stories or real-life situations where an outcome remains unknown.
Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
"The police officer kept a firm grip on the suspect's arm, ensuring he remained suspended until backup arrived to lift him off his feet."
In plain English: Suspense is when you are too excited to know what happens next because something bad might happen soon.
"The suspenseful music made everyone hold their breath during the movie scene."
From Middle English suspense, suspence, from Anglo-Norman suspens (as in en suspens) and Old French suspens, from Latin suspēnsus.