bated
UK[ˈbeɪtɪd]US[ˈbeɪtɪd]
adj
(of breath) held in suspense or suppressed, especially in anticipation or excitement.
Etymology
the word 'bated' is an aphetic form of the past participle 'abated', which entered english from old french 'abatre', meaning 'to beat down' or 'to reduce'. this old french term itself derives from vulgar latin 'abbatere', a combination of latin 'ad-' (to) and 'battuere' (to beat). the core semantic thread from 'beating down' to 'reducing' or 'lessening' is clear. in the specific modern phrase 'with bated breath', the meaning evolved from 'reduced' to describe breath that is held back or restrained due to intense anticipation or anxiety, a usage popularized by shakespeare in the merchant of venice.
Analysis
the word 'bated' is a clipped form of 'abated', meaning reduced or lessened. it is not productively formed from smaller morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the audience waited with bated breath for the final announcement.
he listened with bated breath, hoping for good news.
the whole nation watched the event with bated breath.