Suspension

Definition

Suspension is generally referred to as the act of suspending or the state of being suspended. It could represent a temporary stoppage or postponement, or a system of springs and shock absorbers by which a vehicle is cushioned from road conditions.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈspɛnʃən/
• Respelling: suh-SPEN-shuhn (with "suh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "SPEN" as in "pen," and "shuhn" as in "cushion")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈspɛnʃən/
• Respelling: suh-SPEN-shuhn (similar to American English, with "suh" as in "supply," "SPEN" like in "pen," and "shuhn" as in "cushion")

In both dialects, "suspension" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SPEN." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, reflecting the word's phonetic structure clearly.

Etymology

The word "suspension" originates from the Latin word "suspensio," stemming from "suspendere" which means to hang up or stop. It transitioned into Old French as “suspension,” and was adopted into English in the 15th century.

Derivatives

• Suspension bridge (noun)
• Suspensory (adjective)
• Suspensible (adjective)
• Suspension system (noun)
• Un-suspended (adjective)

Synonyms

• Postponement
• Adjournment
• Deferment

Antonyms

• Continuation
• Resumption
• Advancement

Usage

The term "suspension" has diverse usages in different fields such as in vehicles, physics, education, and employment to refer to a state of being suspended or temporarily stopped.

Related Terms

• Suspend
• Moratorium
• Deferment
• Adjourn
• Disbarment

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Temporary Stoppage: A temporary cessation of a right, privilege, or activity.
• Example: The student faced a suspension for violating the school's code of conduct.

• Mechanical System: The system of springs and shock absorbers by which a vehicle is cushioned from road conditions.
• Example: The car's suspension ensures a smooth ride even on bumpy roads.

• Chemical Mixture: A mixture in which particles are dispersed throughout the bulk of a fluid and are maintained in suspension by fluid motion.
• Example: Soil particles in water create a suspension that can be analyzed for its constituents.

• Legal or Official Hold: An official or legal prohibition or stoppage.
• Example: The lawyer faced a suspension from practicing law due to ethical violations.