Suspicion Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)
1
[noncount]
:
a feeling that someone is possibly guilty of a crime or of doing something wrong
- Her strange behavior has aroused suspicion. [=has made people think that she is doing something wrong]
- He is under suspicion of [=suspected of] selling illegal drugs.
- He was arrested on suspicion of robbery. [=he was arrested because the police suspect that he committed a robbery]
- They are not above/beyond suspicion. [=they are not considered to be obviously or certainly innocent and unable to be suspected]
2
[count]
:
a feeling that something bad is likely or true
- There has long been a suspicion that the painting is a fake.
- There was not the slightest suspicion of a trap. [=no one suspected a trap]
- I thought the water might be making us sick, and my suspicions were confirmed by the lab tests.
- The note aroused her suspicions that he was having an affair.
- I have a sneaking suspicion that those cookies aren't really homemade.
4
[singular]
:
a very small amount of something
:
- a suspicion of garlic