Cliffhanger - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A cliffhanger is a suspenseful ending to a story or episode that leaves the audience in tension, eager to know what happens next. It is often used in books, TV shows, and films.
Definition:
A suspenseful ending leaving the audience uncertain about the outcome.
Synonyms:
suspense, tension, nail-biter, unresolved ending
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
resolution, conclusion, closure
Common Collocations:
season finale, dramatic cliffhanger, leave a cliffhanger, story ends on a cliffhanger
Derivatives:
cliffhanging (adj), cliffhang (verb)
Usage Tips:
Use "cliffhanger" to describe unresolved suspense in stories, especially at the end of episodes or chapters.
Common Phrases:
leave on a cliffhanger, end with a cliffhanger, classic cliffhanger
Etymology:
Originates from early 20th-century serialized stories where characters were left hanging off cliffs to entice readers back.
Examples:
- 1. The movie ended on a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for the sequel.
- 2. She loves books with a cliffhanger because they keep her guessing.
- 3. The TV show’s season finale was a real cliffhanger—no one saw it coming!
- 4. Avoid writing a cliffhanger if you won’t continue the story later.