Suspended: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in a formal setting, like school or work, when someone is temporarily stopped from participating due to inappropriate behavior or breaking rules.

• He was suspended from school for fighting.
• The employee was suspended pending an investigation.

Often used in academic settings, it means to permanently remove someone from an institution due to severe misconduct.

• She was expelled from school for cheating on the exam.
• The university decided to expel the student for repeated violations of the code of conduct.

Used when someone is intentionally left out or not allowed to join a group or activity. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation of discrimination.

• He felt hurt when they excluded him from the party.
• The club decided to exclude people who didn't pay their fees.

Applies when someone is officially and completely prohibited from doing something, often by law or a governing body.

• She was banned from entering the country.
• The new law bans smoking in public places.

Use it when something is temporarily stopped, often due to a specific reason or pending a decision. It can have a negative connotation.

• The player was suspended for breaking the rules.
• The project was suspended until further notice.

Suitable for situations where something is brought to an abrupt stop, often as a result of an external force or directive.

• The train came to a halt because of an obstacle on the tracks.
• The company was forced to halt production due to a lack of raw materials.

Appropriate for a temporary break or interruption in an activity that is expected to resume shortly.

• She paused the video to answer the phone.
• Let's take a pause and continue our discussion after lunch.

Best used when an event or action is delayed to a later date or time, without any negative implications.

• Due to the rain, the match was postponed until next week.
• The meeting was postponed to allow everyone more time to prepare.

Used when an activity or process is temporarily stopped or when something is supported from above but not touching the ground. This could also refer to a situation where privileges are revoked temporarily.

• The project has been suspended until further notice
• His driving license was suspended for six months

Typically used when something is hanging loosely, swaying freely, often implying an unstable or insecure attachment.

• She sat on the edge of the cliff, her legs dangling over the side
• The keys were dangling from the hook

Refers to something being attached from the top without support from below, often describing objects or decorations. It can also refer to the act of execution by hanging.

• The painting is hanging on the wall
• They were hanging Christmas ornaments on the tree

Indicates that something is awaiting a decision, conclusion, or resolution. Commonly used in administrative, legal, or formal contexts.

• His application is still pending review
• The court case is pending as new evidence has come to light