Suspend: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when something is stopped temporarily with the intention to resume later. Often used in formal contexts like work or schooling.

• The company decided to suspend the project until further notice
• The student was suspended from school for a week

Used to indicate a formal prohibition that is usually permanent. Often carries a strong negative connotation.

• The new law will ban smoking in all public places
• He was banned from the club for his disruptive behavior

Used formally to denote that something is not allowed, often by law or rule. Generally permanent and carries a strong negative connotation.

• The school prohibits the use of mobile phones during classes
• The government prohibited the import of endangered species

Used when something is stopped immediately, usually in an emergency or urgent situation. Can also be temporary or permanent.

• The production line came to a halt due to a power outage
• The police halted traffic for the parade

Implies a brief, temporary stop, usually voluntary and with the intention to continue afterwards. Less formal than 'suspend'.

• Let's pause the movie; I need to get some snacks
• She paused to think before answering the question

Used when something is temporarily stopped or put on hold. Can also refer to something being supported or kept in the air by some means.

• The match was suspended due to bad weather.
• The bridge was suspended over the river.

Commonly used to describe something being attached from above and left to dangle freely. It can also mean to execute someone by tying a rope around their neck.

• I need to hang the picture on the wall.
• The criminal was sentenced to hang.

Used when something is hanging loosely and moving freely or swaying back and forth.

• The keys dangled from the lock.
• She dangled her feet in the water.

Refers to something moving back and forth or side to side, often in a smooth or rhythmic manner.

• The child loves to swing in the park.
• The pendulum of the clock swung back and forth.

Temporarily stop an activity or law. Common in legal, school, and formal business settings.

• The student was suspended for breaking the rules
• The company decided to suspend operations due to financial issues

Reschedule an event or activity to a later time. Common for formal events, meetings, and plans.

• The meeting has been postponed to next Monday
• Due to bad weather, the concert received a postponement

Make something happen later than planned. Often used for travel, projects, and events.

• The train was delayed due to technical problems
• We must delay the project launch until next month

Temporarily stop something, with the intention to resume shortly. Often used in conversations, playbacks (movies/music), and short interruptions.

• Let's pause the movie; I need to get some popcorn
• The speaker paused to take a sip of water