suspense

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. The condition of being physically suspended.
2. n. The state or quality of being undecided, uncertain, or doubtful.
3. n. Pleasurable excitement and anticipation regarding an outcome, such as the ending of a mystery novel.
4. n. Anxiety or apprehension resulting from an uncertain, undecided, or mysterious situation.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. To suspend.
2. Held or lifted up; suspended.
3. Held in doubt or expectation; also, expressing or proceeding from suspense or doubt.
4. n. The state of being suspended; specifically, the state of having the mind or thoughts suspended; especially, a state of uncertainty, usually with more or less apprehension or anxiety; indetermination; indecision.
5. n. Cessation for a time; stop.
6. n. Suspension; a holding in an undetermined state.
7. n. In law, suspension; a temporary cessation of a man's right, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.

Wiktionary

1. n. the condition of being suspended
2. n. the pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc
3. n. the unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation

GNU Webster's 1913

1. adj. obsolete Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
2. adj. obsolete Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.
3. n. The state of being suspended; specifically, a state of uncertainty and expectation, with anxiety or apprehension; indetermination; indecision.
4. n. Cessation for a time; stop; pause.
5. n. (Law) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. apprehension about what is going to happen
2. n. excited anticipation of an approaching climax
3. n. an uncertain cognitive state