Meaning of suspicion In English

• 0 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.

• 1 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.

• 2 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.

• 3 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.

• 4 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.

• 5 the belief that someone is guilty of something:

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

• 6 lack of belief in someone or something; doubt:

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