suspend

 
Pronunciation: /səˈspɛnd/

verb

[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
  • 2hang (something) from somewhere: the light was suspended from the ceiling
  • 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.

Origin:

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