suspend

Suspend is a transitive verb meaning to temporarily prevent something from continuing, to hang something from above, or to keep in an unsettled state. It derives from Latin suspendere, meaning to hang up or suspend. In common usage, it can refer to pausing activities, delaying decisions, or removing someone from a position temporarily. The related noun suspension denotes the act or state of being suspended, or a physical arrangement that serves to support or separate components.

In science and engineering, suspension has specific meanings. In chemistry, a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas but large enough to settle over time; unlike a solution, the particles are not dissolved. In vehicle design, a suspension system uses springs and dampers to isolate the vehicle body from road irregularities. In physics or civil engineering, suspension bridges rely on large cables to support the deck rather than piers.

In information technology, a device can be suspended to enter a low-power state, such as suspend-to-RAM (sleep) or suspend-to-disk (hibernate). In law and policy, authorities may suspend licenses, privileges, or procedures for a specified period, pending review or compliance. In sports and organizations, players or employees may be suspended for disciplinary reasons.