Definition of suspension

The word "suspension" originated from the Latin word "suspendere," which means "to hang" or "to suspend." The original meaning of the word in Latin referred to the act of hanging something, such as a chandelier or a painting, from a ceiling or a wall. In the late 16th century, the English language adapted the Latin word and began using it to describe the act of hanging someone, usually in the context of a judicial sentence. This meaning of "suspension" has largely fallen out of use outside of legal contexts. By the early 20th century, the modern usage of "suspension" as a noun to refer to a system for holding something up or out had emerged. This definition encompasses a variety of applications, such as the suspension of a bridge, the suspension of a car's engine, or the suspension of a car's driver's license due to a moving violation. So, in summary, the word "suspension" is derived from the Latin word "suspendere," which literally means "to hang." Its modern usage, however, has expanded to include a range of meanings related to holding something up or temporarily suspending something from its regular position or practice.