Origin: Latin suffix -sion
Suspension has 8 different meanings across 1 category:
a mixture in which fine particles are suspended in a fluid where they are supported by buoyancy
"The mechanic explained that the car's suspension system keeps those tiny metal particles floating within the hydraulic fluid."
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
"The school board announced a suspension of classes due to the severe snowstorm, so no students will report to campus until further notice."
temporary cessation or suspension
"The coach decided to place the star player on suspension for three games after he received a second yellow card."
an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
"The suspension of rain allowed the farmers to finally harvest their crops before the next storm hit."
a mechanical system of springs or shock absorbers connecting the wheels and axles to the chassis of a wheeled vehicle
"The mechanic adjusted the rear suspension to smooth out the ride on the bumpy road."
the act of suspending something (hanging it from above so it moves freely)
"there was a small ceremony for the hanging of the portrait"
a temporary debarment (from a privilege or position etc)
"After missing three consecutive practices, the coach placed his star player on suspension for two weeks."
The act of suspending, or the state of being suspended.
"The teacher decided to give him a three-day suspension for bringing a weapon to school."
In plain English: Suspension is a temporary stop to an activity or punishment where someone is not allowed to participate for a certain time.
"The school board decided to put his driving license on suspension until he finished his safety course."
Usage: Use suspension to describe temporarily stopping an activity, such as school classes due to weather, rather than permanently ending something like termination. It can also refer to a mixture where solid particles float in a liquid, but this scientific meaning is less common in everyday conversation.
Suspension entered English from Late Latin, where it originally meant "arching" or "vaulting." The word traces its roots to a verb meaning "to hang up," which itself comes from elements meaning "under" and "to hang."