When something is suspended, it is "left hanging;" it is neither in full operation nor permanently ended. Suspense is a state of uncertainty and maybe anxiety. When we watch a play or movie, we enjoy experiencing a "suspension of disbelief;" that is, we allow ourselves to believe we're watching reality, even though we aren't truly fooled.Suspension can also mean physical hanging; thus, in a suspension bridge, the roadway actually hangs from huge cables. When some substance is "in suspension", its particles are "hanging" in another substance, mixed into it but not actually dissolved, like fine sand in water, or sea spray in the air at the seashore.
defer implies a deliberate putting off to a later time.
deferred buying a car until spring
postpone implies an intentional deferring usually to a definite time.
the game is postponed until Saturday
suspend implies temporary stoppage with an added suggestion of waiting until some condition is satisfied.
business will be suspended while repairs are underway
stay often suggests the stopping or checking by an intervening agency or authority.
the governor stayed the execution
Example Sentences
He was suspended from the team for missing too many practices. The police officers were suspended without pay for their conduct. The principal suspended the student from school for fighting. The city suspended bus service during the storm. The company was forced to suspend operations. They have suspended the peace talks. I advise suspending judgment until the investigation is over. Her license to practice law was suspended. We can suspend the rules just this once. He's driving with a suspended license. See More
Recent Examples on the WebChongqing enacted an order for factories to suspend operations for seven days starting last Wednesday, according to state media. Shawn Deng, CNN, 23 Aug. 2022 Youngkin’s proposal to suspend the state gas tax for three months, an initiative that Democrats blocked in the state Senate. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 27 July 2022 Biden is expected to call on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax, which amounts to roughly 18 cents of gasoline and 24 cents per gallon of diesel through the end of September. Rachel Scott, ABC News, 22 June 2022 Biden is expected on Wednesday to call on Congress to suspend U.S. gas and diesel taxes to reduce the sting of high fuel prices, which are averaging nearly $5 a gallon. Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2022 The Democratic president will also call on states to suspend their own gas taxes or provide similar relief, the White House said. Josh Boak, Anchorage Daily News, 22 June 2022 Biden will also call on states to suspend their own gas taxes or provide similar relief, the White House said. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 22 June 2022 That’s how much money is added to a gallon of gas due to the federal gas tax, which Biden will call to suspend amid price increases. Mark Murray, NBC News, 22 June 2022 Biden was expected on Wednesday to call on Congress to suspend U.S. gas and diesel taxes to reduce the sting of high fuel prices, which are averaging nearly $5 a gallon. Christopher Rugaber, USA TODAY, 22 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French suspendre, from Latin suspendere, from sub-, sus- up + pendere to cause to hang, weigh