Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tenterhooks
Noun
ˈtɛntərˌhʊks
Definition
Tenterhooks refer to a state of anxious suspense or uncertainty, where someone is waiting with bated breath for an outcome.
Examples
- She was on tenterhooks waiting for the results of her job interview.
- The team remained on tenterhooks as they awaited the final score of the match.
- He kept refreshing the page, on tenterhooks about whether he had won the contest.
Meaning
To be on tenterhooks means to be in a state of nerves or anxiety, often due to waiting for important news or an impending decision.
Synonyms
- anxiety
- apprehension
- nervousness
- tension
