suspense

suspense, tension

noun süs-PAHNS Rare

Origin: English 'suspense' via American cinema

Usage Note

Suspense is a masculine borrowing from English, firmly established in French especially in film and thriller contexts. You say un film à suspense or tenir quelqu'un en suspense ('to keep someone in suspense'). The native French alternative tension dramatique is more formal.

Examples

"Ce film est plein de suspense."

Natural Translation

This film is full of suspense.

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