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Suspend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suspend

[səˈspɛnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a work or school setting

To temporarily prevent someone from being able to work, go to school, or participate in an activity.

Synonyms

ban, halt, pause, prohibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suspend

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
ban

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
prohibit

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
halt

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
pause

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

Examples of usage

  • They suspended him from school for fighting.
  • The company decided to suspend operations due to the pandemic.
Context #2 | Verb

in a physical setting

To hang something so that it is free on all sides.

Synonyms

dangle, hang, swing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suspend

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.
hang

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.
dangle

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.
swing

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.

Examples of usage

  • The chandelier was suspended from the ceiling.
  • The bridge is suspended over the river.
Context #3 | Noun

in a legal setting

An official order that stops something from being in effect for a period of time.

Synonyms

delay, pause, postponement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suspend

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
postponement

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
delay

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
pause

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

Examples of usage

  • The court issued a suspension of the law.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, to suspend a particle in a fluid can refer to preventing it from sinking or floating away.
  • Suspension methods in chemistry involve dispersing solids in liquids, leading to solutions that can be stirred but settle over time.
  • Suspended animation is a state where an organism’s metabolic processes are slowed down or halted, used in science fiction and some medical practices.

School Policies

  • In the context of education, a student can be suspended from school as a disciplinary action.
  • Suspension from school can serve as a way to address behavioral issues and is meant to encourage reflection.
  • Policies regarding suspension vary widely between schools and can significantly impact a student’s academic progress.

Pop Culture

  • Suspense in movies and books creates tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
  • The popular TV series 'Breaking Bad' often features suspenseful moments where characters are faced with the dilemma of making sudden decisions.
  • Suspenseful music is commonly used in thrillers to enhance feelings of anticipation and anxiety.

Psychology

  • Suspending judgment allows for better understanding of different perspectives without immediate bias.
  • Cognitive suspension refers to taking a break from habitual thinking patterns to explore new ideas.
  • Practicing mindfulness encourages a sense of suspension regarding thoughts, allowing one to observe without reacting immediately.

Origin of 'suspend'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'suspend' comes from the Latin 'suspendere', which means 'to hang up'.
  • It first appeared in English during the 14th century as a way to describe something being held from above.
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to include stopping or delaying actions or processes.

The word 'suspend' originated from the Latin word 'suspendere', which means 'to hang up'. The word has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to temporarily stopping or hanging something. In modern usage, 'suspend' is commonly used in contexts such as work, school, and legal settings to indicate a temporary halt or delay in activities or operations.

See also: suspended, suspense, suspension.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,590 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.