the condition of waiting for something to happen; subdued breathing due to high emotions
With bated breath, they went to the mailbox every day.
1933; based on bate meaning 'to moderate, restrain'
Throughout Christmas eve and day, the world is monitoring with bated breath.
Hawking took 10 minutes to build up the answer on his computer and the audience waited with bated breath.
We all may have waited with bated breath for Wiig's big, first post-Bridesmaids, post-SNL star vehicle.
With bated breath and throbbing heart I watched his slow progress across the open country.
The knot of spectators around the table watched with bated breath.
The very postman and tradesmen only approach it with bated breath.
In silence they waited with bated breath while the awful moments passed.
And with bated breath they let the dead cart rumble by with its ghastly burden.
All admitted that they did hear some sort of a sound and sat with bated breath.
I was kneeling by Jack, and was not intended to hear what all were too hot and excited to guard by bated breath.
see bate (v.1).
