bated
adjective
The word "bated" is an adjective that is often used to describe a feeling of tense anticipation or suspense. If something is done "with bated breath," for example, it means that the person is doing it with a sense of anxious anticipation or excitement.
Example
- She held her breath and watched the tightrope walker with bated excitement.
- The audience waited with bated breath to hear the results of the competition.
- The detective approached the door with bated caution, not knowing what lay beyond.