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Scientific and Methodical

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Curiosity and Inquiry

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Inquiry and Insight

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Doubt and Skepticism

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suspicion

Suspicion (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/səˈspɪʃ ən/

What does suspicion mean?

A feeling or belief that someone is guilty of wrongdoing, without having conclusive evidence or proof.
"There was a lingering suspicion that the election results had been manipulated."

Detailed Meaning of Suspicion

It encompasses a sense of doubt, mistrust, or unease towards a person or situation, often arising from a perceived deviation from expected behavior or circumstances. Suspicion may be triggered by certain actions, behaviors, or inconsistencies that raise doubts about someone's intentions or integrity. It involves a cautious and skeptical mindset, where one entertains the possibility of hidden motives or deceptive actions. Suspicion can lead to increased vigilance, questioning, or investigation in order to ascertain the truth or confirm one's doubts. It is a state of mind that arises when one's trust is shaken and there is a lingering sense of uncertainty regarding the intentions or integrity of others.

Example Sentences for Suspicion

1. The detective had a strong suspicion that the suspect was hiding crucial information.
2. Sarah couldn't shake off the suspicion that her friend had betrayed her.
3. The sudden disappearance of the money raised suspicion among the employees.
4. His evasive answers only fueled their suspicion of his involvement in the crime.
5. The teacher had a suspicion that some students were cheating during the exam.
6. The politician's extravagant lifestyle raised suspicion among the public.

Origin and Etymology of Suspicion

The noun 'suspicion' indeed finds its roots in the Latin word 'suspicere,' a combination of 'sub' (under) and 'specere' (to look), indicating the act of scrutinizing something with a sense of doubt or mistrust. As it transitioned through Old French into Middle English as 'suspecioun,' it continued to convey the idea of holding a belief or feeling that someone is involved in wrongdoing without possessing definitive evidence or proof. This etymological background underscores the cautious and uncertain nature of suspicions, as they involve looking closely at a situation or individual with a cloud of doubt hanging beneath.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun suspicion:

doubt

trust

confidence

certainty

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Suspicion

1. The employee's frequent absences gave rise to suspicion about his commitment to the job.
2. The detective acted on his suspicion and conducted a thorough investigation.
3. Her sudden change in behavior created suspicion among her friends.
4. The inconsistencies in his alibi only deepened the suspicion against him.
5. They regarded his extravagant gifts with suspicion, wondering what he expected in return.
6. There's a strong suspicion of insider trading.
7. The suspicion of foul play lingers in the air.
8. His sudden wealth raised suspicion among his peers.
9. She couldn't shake the suspicion of betrayal.
10. The suspicion of a cover-up grew with each detail.
11. They operated under a cloud of suspicion.
12. His actions only fueled our suspicion.
13. The suspicion of espionage hung over him.
14. There's a growing suspicion of political ties.
15. The suspicion of fraud led to a thorough audit.
16. Her behavior heightened our suspicion.
17. His silence only deepened the suspicion.
18. The suspicion of a leak prompted an investigation.
19. We acted on a mere suspicion of wrongdoing.
20. The team faced unwarranted suspicion.
21. The suspicion of a hidden agenda persisted.
22. They faced unwavering suspicion from the public.
23. A shadow of suspicion fell on the new recruit.
24. Suspicion clouded their working relationship.
25. Her reputation suffered due to unwarranted suspicion.