suspensif

Suspensif is a French adjective and, in specialized contexts, a noun phrase formed from suspendre. It denotes something related to suspension or capable of sustaining a suspended state. In everyday French, the term is more often replaced by phrases such as à suspense or agent de suspension depending on the context.

In pharmacology and formulation science, a suspensif (or suspending agent) is an ingredient that prevents the sedimentation of undissolved solids, increases viscosity, and facilitates uniform dosing. Common suspending agents include cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, guar gum, and tragacanth. They are essential in syrups, suspensions for oral administration, and other liquid preparations where particles need to remain evenly distributed between shaking.

In mechanical engineering, suspensif can describe elements of a suspension system, such as amorteurs ou ressorts suspensifs, that isolate a vehicle’s body from road irregularities. However, the general term used is suspension, and suspensif tends to appear mainly in technical phrasing or when describing properties related to suspension components.

In literature and film, the conventional expression for works designed to evoke suspense is roman à suspense or film à suspense. The adjective suspensif is less commonly used to describe such works, though it may be found in stylistic or academic notes to indicate a scene or sequence intended to build tension.

Etymology traces suspensif to suspendere in Latin, passing through Old French suspendre, with the core sense of hanging, delaying, or interrupting. Its precise meaning depends on the field, but all uses share a core idea of keeping something in a suspended state or generating suspense.