Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

suspended-animation

noun

/səˈspɛndɪd ˌænɪˈmeɪʃən/

Definition

A state in which an organism’s life processes are temporarily slowed down or halted, often perceived as a form of stasis that can occur due to extreme conditions.

Examples

In the movie, the astronaut was placed in a capsule for suspended animation during the long journey to Mars.
Some species of frogs can enter a state of suspended animation to survive freezing temperatures.

Meaning

Suspended animation refers to a temporary state in which an organism appears to be lifeless but is not dead. It can be induced by various factors, such as extreme cold or lack of oxygen, allowing the organism to survive uninhabitable conditions until more favorable circumstances arise.