bated

American

[bey-tid] / ˈbeɪ tɪd /

adjective

moderated or restrained.

Their solemn faces, their fidgeting, and the bated whispers in which they spoke all told of nerves strained to the breaking point.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of bate.

idioms

with bated breath, with breath drawn in or held because of anticipation or suspense.

We watched with bated breath as the runners approached the finish line.

Etymology

Origin of bated

First recorded in 1590–1600; bate ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective; bate ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb

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.

So I sent an email and waited with bated breath to see if I had finally found the smoked salmon.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

He snatched provisional top spot in beautiful, sunny conditions, but could only watch with bated breath as his understudy took to the start hut.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

We wait with bated breath to hear about others apparently in the crosshairs of would-be “efficiency” cuts.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2025

This isn’t just the story of a young woman doing the seemingly impossible — it’s a mass media story taking place in a newly globalized world that’s collectively listening with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2024

With bated breath I closed the locker and reached beneath the tarpaulin for the extra oars on the side benches.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023