bated
Suspensefully held in
Bated is a shortened form of abated, meaning reduced or restrained.
The word survives almost exclusively in the phrase bated breath—breathing held back or suppressed in anticipation or anxiety: We waited with bated breath for the results.
The spelling baited breath is a common error.
Lacking air, gasping
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- waitingRemaining in expectation
- cliff-hangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- nail-bitingExtremely tense or anxious
tension · white-knuckle · gripping · riveted · rapt · spellbound · enthralled · captivated
Fearful of future events
- nervousUneasy and apprehensive
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
- fearfulFull of fright
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
dread · foreboding · worried · fretful · edgy · jittery · restless · agitation
breathless
Lacking air, gasping
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- waitingRemaining in expectation
- cliff-hangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
nail-biting · tension · white-knuckle · gripping · riveted · rapt · spellbound · enthralled · captivated · hanging
apprehensive
Fearful of future events
trepidation · dread · foreboding · worried · fretful · edgy · jittery · restless · agitation · consternation
silenced
Rendered unable to speak
subdued · softened · stilled · low · muffled · suppressed · restrained · dampened · smothered · choked
awaiting
Staying until something arrives
- hopefulFeeling positive expectation
- eagerIntensely wanting something
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
alert · attentive · poised · ready · primed · waiting · vigilant
batedunbated
Not made less keen
unrestrained · released · free · unchecked · uninhibited
batedincreased
Grew larger in amount
strong · full · heightened · intensified · amplified
- with bated breathIn tense anticipation
- bated breathRestrained breathing from suspense
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