suspended animation

American  

noun

1. a state of temporary cessation of the vital functions.

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suspended animation British  

noun

1. a temporary cessation of the vital functions, as by freezing an organism

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Etymology

Origin of suspended animation

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The Matrix films were based on the idea that machine-addicted humans would put their bodies in suspended animation while computers provided a virtual reality that replaced real life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

This time of year invites us all, believers and atheists alike, to emerge from our own suspended animation or curled-up little balls, like cummings writes at the end of that poem:

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2025

The researchers plan to continue investigating how different species regulate diapause and to dig deeper into the role of lipid metabolism during diapause and other types of suspended animation.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

In a pose reminiscent of the fight scenes from “The Matrix” franchise, Björk appears in suspended animation, her back arched, head frozen above the faucet, arms dangling at her sides.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024

Every spy was equipped with a number of these larvae, which, by feeding them carefully regulated amounts of oil and honey, they could either keep in suspended animation or bring rapidly to adulthood.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman