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suspensive

American  
[suh-spen-siv] / səˈspɛn sɪv /

adjective

  1. pertaining to or characterized by suspension.

  2. undecided in mind.

  3. pertaining to or characterized by suspense.

  4. (of words, phrases, etc.) characterized by or expressing suspense; keeping the reader or listener in suspense.

  5. having the effect of suspending the operation of something.


suspensive British  
/ səˈspɛnsɪv /

adjective

  1. having the power of deferment; effecting suspension

  2. causing, characterized by, or relating to suspense

  3. inclined to defer judgment; undecided

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of suspensive

1540–50; < Medieval Latin suspēnsīvus, equivalent to suspēns ( us ) ( see suspense) + -īvus -ive


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The appeal is not suspensive, meaning it does not immediately block the construction of the detention centre while the legal process is ongoing.

From BBC ● May 27, 2026

An appeal has no suspensive effect, meaning people can be deporting during a pending trial.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 30, 2023

As one who will allow me the pleasure of calling him my friend, Mr. G. H. Lewes, said, all reflective Atheism is suspensive.

From The Limits Of Atheism Or, Why should Sceptics be Outlaws? by George Jacob Holyoake

The President of France, on the other hand, possesses only a suspensive veto.

From The Governments of Europe by Frederic Austin Ogg

A strong smell of rancid wicks disturbed nobody and in the charged, suspensive air the cheap lamps burned with a still flame.

From "Persons Unknown" by Virginia Tracy

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