Phrase guide

suspend one's disbelief

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To willingly accept the premise of a story or work of art, usually for the sake of enjoying it.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Although the novel was quite far-fetched, I was willing to suspend my disbelief.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 暫時擱置懷疑 /暂时搁置怀疑 (zànshí gēzhì huáiyí) — willingly accept the premise of a story
  • Finnish: heittää ennakkoluulot sivuun — willingly accept the premise of a story
  • Polish: zawieszać niewiarę — willingly accept the premise of a story
  • Polish: zawiesić niewiarę — willingly accept the premise of a story