suspend
suh-SPEND
/səˈspend/
To temporarily prevent from continuing or being in force or effect.
Implies a formal stop that is expected to be temporary, often used for rules, licenses, or activities.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'sub' (under) and 'pendere' (to hang), 'suspend' literally means to hang something from underneath. Imagine a bridge or a chandelier—it is held up, not moving, caught in a state of 'hanging' between start and finish.
Word relationships
- interrupt: Interrupt is usually a brief, unplanned break; suspend is a formal, planned stop.
- shelve: Shelve implies putting a project away for a long time, perhaps forever; suspend is more temporary.
- resume: To begin again after a pause.
- reinstate: To restore to a former position or state.
Commonly confused with
- expel: Expel is permanent; suspend is temporary.
Word family
- suspension (noun): The temporary prevention of something from continuing.
- suspense (noun): A state of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.
Collocations
- suspend operations
- suspend a license
- suspend belief
Example sentences
- "The player was suspended for three games after the incident on the field." Sports news.
- "The judge decided to suspend the sentence, provided the defendant remained on good behavior." Legal context.
Memory hook
Think of 'suspension' cables on a bridge—they keep the bridge 'hanging' in place. SUSPEND: To hang (pend) under (sub).
When not to use
Don't use this for a physical delay like a late bus; use 'delayed'.
Fun facts
- The word 'pendulum' comes from the same root 'pendere', as it is something that hangs and swings.
Explore more words
suspension, halt, interrupt, discontinue, take a break, reprieve
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