Synonyms and Related Words for Suspend

cease

freeze

hold

stop

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suspend

Suspend (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/səˈspɛnd/

What does suspend mean?

To temporarily halt, pause, or discontinue something.
"The company decided to suspend production of the product until further notice."

Detailed Meaning of Suspend

It involves the deliberate action of putting a process, activity, or state on hold or in a state of temporary inactivity. When something is suspended, it is typically held or kept in a position where it is not fully active, functioning, or progressing. This can apply to a wide range of contexts and scenarios. For instance, in education, a student may be suspended from school for a specified period of time due to a disciplinary issue. In sports, a game can be suspended due to adverse weather conditions. In a professional setting, an employee's job duties may be suspended pending an investigation. Additionally, objects or items can also be suspended, such as a swing being suspended from a tree branch or a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Overall, the act of suspending involves a temporary pause or interruption until further action or circumstances permit its resumption.

Example Sentences for Suspend

1. They suspend the game due to bad weather.
2. Please suspend your judgment until all the facts are presented.
3. The school might suspend him for his disruptive behavior.
4. We suspend our disbelief and immerse ourselves in the movie.
5. The company may suspend operations temporarily.
6. The judge has the power to suspend the sentence.

Origin and Etymology of Suspend

The verb 'suspend' finds its linguistic roots in the Latin word 'suspendere,' which is a combination of 'sub' (under) and 'pendere' (to hang). This origin reflects the idea of hanging something below a certain point, thereby causing it to be temporarily halted or discontinued. Over time, 'suspend' made its way into Middle English from Old French as 'suspendre,' and it retained its essential sense of temporarily pausing or halting something. Its etymology emphasizes the notion of hanging in abeyance, reflecting the action of momentarily ceasing an activity or state.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb suspend:

maintain

continue

proceed

halt

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Suspend

1. The teacher can suspend a student for violating school rules.
2. I suspend my decision until I have more information.
3. They suspend the bridge for maintenance work.
4. Please suspend all activities until further notice.
5. The airline might suspend flights to certain destinations.
6. We suspend our disbelief and enjoy the magic of the theater.
7. The board of directors may suspend the CEO pending an investigation.
8. I suspend my thoughts and listen attentively to your words.
9. The government may suspend civil liberties during times of emergency.
10. They suspend the construction project due to budget constraints.
11. Please suspend your disbelief and enjoy the fantasy world of the book.
12. The university can suspend a student for academic misconduct.
13. We suspend our expectations and embrace the unexpected.
14. The authorities may suspend a driver's license for repeated traffic violations.