suspend

UK: səˈspɛnd | US: səˈspɛnd

Definition
  1. vt. to temporarily stop or delay something

  2. vt. to hang something from above

  3. vt. to bar temporarily from a privilege, office, or position

Structure
sus <under>pend <hang>sus <under>pend <hang>
Etymology

The word "suspend" traces back to Latin suspendere, combining sub- (under) and pendere (to hang). The original sense was "to hang from below," which evolved into the modern meanings of temporary cessation (as if "hanging" an action mid-air) or literal hanging (e.g., a chandelier suspended from the ceiling). The logic reflects a physical metaphor—delaying or halting something as if leaving it "dangling."

Examples
  1. The committee decided to suspend the meeting until next week.

  2. A single lightbulb was suspended from the ceiling.

  3. The student was suspended for violating school rules.

  4. The bridge is suspended by sturdy steel cables.

  5. The judge may suspend the sentence under special circumstances.