suspense

A suspenseful situation is one that's full of tension and excitement because something might happen or something important hasn't been revealed yet.

When we talk about movies, books, or even games being suspenseful, it usually means they keep us on edge, wondering what will happen next. We're interested and engaged, but also a bit nervous, because the outcome isn't clear. For example, if you're watching a thrilling movie and the main character is running away from danger, the tension might be so strong that you find yourself biting your nails or jumping in surprise when something happens. It's like the story is holding its breath, waiting for us to see what comes next.

The word 'suspense' can also refer to an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety, especially about a future event. For instance, if someone says they're feeling suspense before a big exam or a job interview, it means they're anxious because the outcome is uncertain.