Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cliff-hanger
noun
/ˈklɪfˌhæŋər/
Definition
A cliff-hanger is a dramatic situation or story that ends in suspense, leaving the audience eager to know what happens next.
Examples
- The season finale ended with a cliff-hanger that has fans anxiously awaiting the next season.
- Many mystery novels employ cliff-hangers at the end of chapters to keep readers engaged.
- Her story finished on a cliff-hanger, leaving us all guessing about what would happen next.
Meaning
This term is often used in literature and film to describe a moment of suspense or uncertainty, particularly at the end of a chapter or episode. The idea is that the audience is left in a precarious position, akin to being on the edge of a cliff, where the outcome is unclear.
Synonyms
- suspense
- extreme tension
- dramatic pause
- unresolved ending
