Meaning of the word tenterhooks in English

What does tenterhooks mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

tenterhooks

US /ˈten.t̬ɚ.hʊks/
UK /ˈten.tə.hʊks/

Plural Noun

a state of painful or anxious suspense

Example:
We were kept on tenterhooks for days waiting for the results.
The movie kept me on tenterhooks until the very end.
Related Word: