noun

1. the state of being undecided or undetermined
2. a state of usually anxious uncertainty, as in awaiting a decision
3. the growing interest and excitement felt while awaiting a climax or resolution, as of a novel, play, series of events, etc.
4. Rare suspension or interruption, as of a legal right

Etymology: ME < MFr suspens, suspense, delay, deferring < ML suspensum < L suspensus, suspended, uncertain, lit., hung up, pp. of suspendere, to suspend