bated

American  

[bey-tid] / ˈbeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. 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.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of bate.

idioms

1. 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

See Examples For:

bated

Admire some of them, sure; watch with bated breath and then scream in astonishment when they pull off some amazing feat or another, absolutely.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Until then, I’ll just have to wait with bated breath.

From Salon ● May 23, 2026

Caddell described the funding as a "stop gap", adding that "people will be waiting with bated breath to find out what's going to happen".

From BBC ● Mar. 16, 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

I am so fascinated that I lose the perfect opportunity to cut Frightful free, because, in spite of the hood, she bated and hung down, exposing her jesses.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Related Words

• delicate
• dim
• distant
• dull
• far-off
• gentle
• hazy
• inaudible
• mild
• muffled
• muted
• remote
• slight
• soft
• soothing
• stifled
• vague
• weak