suspended sentence
C1Formal, Legal, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A legal judgment where a person is convicted of a crime but does not immediately go to prison; the prison sentence is postponed on the condition that the person obeys the law for a set period.
Figuratively, any situation where a negative consequence or judgment is formally issued but its execution is delayed, contingent upon future behaviour.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase is a compound noun (noun + noun). The 'suspension' refers to the postponement of the custodial sentence, not the conviction itself. It implies a probationary period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application between UK and US legal systems, though procedural details may vary by jurisdiction.
Connotations
Connotes a second chance, judicial leniency, or a warning. Can be controversial if perceived as too lenient for serious crimes.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK media, but standard term in both legal systems.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: Judge/Court] + [Verb: imposed/handed down] + [Object: suspended sentence] + [on + defendant][Subject: Defendant] + [Verb: received/was given] + [Object: suspended sentence][Subject: Suspended sentence] + [Verb: was activated] + [if/when + clause: condition breached]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A sword of Damocles”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The regulatory fine came with a suspended sentence for future violations.'
Academic
Used in law, criminology, and sociology papers discussing sentencing and recidivism.
Everyday
Discussed in news reports about court cases. 'He avoided jail but got a suspended sentence.'
Technical
Precise legal term with defined statutory conditions, length of suspension, and probation requirements.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The court may suspend the sentence if certain conditions are met.
American English
- The judge decided to suspend the sentence for a period of two years.
adverb
British English
- The prison term was imposed but will run suspendedly for now. (Extremely rare/non-standard)
adjective
British English
- He is currently serving a suspended sentence order.
- The suspended-sentence period lasts 18 months.
American English
- She received a suspended-sentence judgment.
- The defendant has a suspended sentence status.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The man did not go to prison. He got a suspended sentence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a prison sentence literally SUSPENDED in mid-air by a string (the conditions). If the string is cut (by breaking the law), the sentence falls and must be served.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE/LAW IS A MECHANISM (that can be paused). PUNISHMENT IS A BURDEN/WEIGHT (that is held back).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'условный срок' (conditional term) which is the direct equivalent but has specific procedural differences in the Russian legal system. The concept is similar but not identical in application.
- Avoid literal translation 'подвешенный приговор' – this is not idiomatic.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'suspended' as a verb incorrectly: 'The judge suspended him a sentence.' (Correct: 'The judge gave him a suspended sentence.')
- Confusing it with a 'stay of execution' (which applies to death penalty).
- Assuming it means the conviction is erased; it is not.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a suspended sentence?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the person is fully convicted of the crime. The suspension applies only to the custodial part of the sentence.
Typically, the original prison sentence is 'activated,' and you serve that time in addition to any sentence for the new crime.
Often yes, but you must usually seek permission from your probation officer or the court, as it may be a condition of your sentence.
They are closely linked. A suspended sentence is the judicial order postponing prison. Probation is the period of supervision and set of conditions that accompany it. The suspended sentence is the 'stick' (threat of prison), probation is the monitoring framework.