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

See Examples For:

suspended animation

‘The Matrix films were based on the idea that machine-addicted humans would put their bodies in suspended animation.’

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

To survive the annual dry season, the fish's embryos enter a state of extreme suspended animation or "diapause" for approximately 8 months.

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

In the months to come, because one did have to keep on walking, one desperately wanted to believe nothing had changed during those years of suspended animation.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston