suspend

Pronunciation: /səˈspɛnd/

Definition of suspend

[with object]

1temporarily prevent from continuing or being in force or effect:work on the dam was suspended
officially prohibit (someone) from holding their usual post or carrying out their usual role for a particular length of time:two officers were suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation
defer or delay (an action, event, or judgement):the judge suspended judgement until January 15
Law (of a judge or court) cause (an imposed sentence) not to be enforced as long as no further offence is committed within a specified period:the sentence was suspended for six months (as adjective suspended)a suspended jail sentence

3 (be suspended) (of solid particles) be dispersed throughout the bulk of a fluid:the paste contains collagen suspended in a salt solution

4 Music prolong (a note of a chord) into a following chord, usually so as to produce a temporary discord.

Phrases

suspend disbelief: temporarily allow oneself to believe something that is not true, especially in order to enjoy a work of fiction.
suspend payment: (of a company) cease to meet its financial obligations as a result of insolvency or insufficient funds.

Middle English: from Old French suspendre or Latin suspendere, from sub- 'from below' + pendere 'hang'

Definition of suspend in the US English dictionary