suspicion

7 definitions • 14 examples

a belief or idea that something may be true:

[ + that ] I have a suspicion that he only asked me out because my brother persuaded him to.

She had a nagging/sneaking suspicion that she might have sent the letter to the wrong address.

a feeling or belief that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong:

"I'm arresting you on suspicion of illegally possessing drugs," said the police officer.

In these cases, the parents usually come under suspicion.

usually UK She is under suspicion of murder.

In this particular case, they are above/beyond suspicion (= cannot be thought to be guilty).

His strange behaviour aroused/raised his neighbours' suspicions.

doubt or lack of trust:

Since they discovered the truth about his background, his colleagues have regarded him with suspicion.

They feel that she harbours (= has) suspicions of their politics.

a small amount:

He gave just a suspicion of a smile.

I have a suspicion of doubt about whether I should accept his invitation or not.

a feeling or belief that something is likely or true:

[ + that clause ] There are suspicions that he may not be able to play at all.

the belief that someone is guilty of something:

[ C ] His strange behavior raised suspicions among his co-workers.

lack of belief in someone or something; doubt:

Because he was a new arrival, other workers looked at him with suspicion.