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Grief-stricken: meaning, definitions and examples

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grief-stricken

[ ˈɡriːfˌstrɪkən ]

Adjective

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

emotions

Feeling extreme sadness or sorrow, especially as a result of a loss or tragedy.

Synonyms

bereaved, devastated, heartbroken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grief-stricken	This word is used to describe someone who is deeply affected by sorrow, usually due to the death of a loved one. It emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the grief. She was grief-stricken after the loss of her husband
bereaved	This term is often used in more formal contexts to refer to someone who has recently lost a loved one, particularly in settings such as obituaries or support groups. The bereaved family members gathered for the memorial service
heartbroken	This term is commonly used to express intense sadness, often from romantic disappointments but can also be applied to the loss of a loved one. She was heartbroken after ending her long-term relationship
devastated	This word indicates complete emotional destruction or overwhelming sadness, and can be used in various contexts beyond death, such as losing a job or experiencing a major personal setback. He was devastated when he heard the news of his friend's passing

Examples of usage

She was grief-stricken after the sudden death of her husband.
The whole community was grief-stricken by the news of the accident.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Showing visible signs of deep sorrow or distress.

Synonyms

distraught, mournful, sorrowful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grief-stricken	This word is used to describe someone who is deeply affected by intense sorrow, usually due to a personal loss such as the death of a loved one. The emotion is overwhelming and clearly visible. After hearing the news of his mother's passing, he was completely grief-stricken and couldn't bring himself to speak
sorrowful	Refers to a deep sense of sadness or regret, often with a reflective or melancholic aspect. It can be used in various situations of loss or disappointment. His sorrowful expression told the entire story of his heartbreak without him uttering a single word
mournful	Typically describes a person, tone, or atmosphere that expresses or evokes sadness, often in a more subdued or reflective manner. It's often associated with the process of mourning a loss. The mournful melody of the song brought tears to everyone's eyes during the memorial service
distraught	This term is suitable when someone is very worried or upset, often to the point of being unable to think or behave normally. It can be caused by various distressing situations, not limited to personal loss. She was distraught when she discovered her child was missing in the crowded mall

Examples of usage

Her grief-stricken face told the story of her pain.
His grief-stricken expression was hard to bear.

Translations

Translations of the word "grief-stricken" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aflito pela dor

🇮🇳 शोकाकुल

🇩🇪 von Trauer erfüllt

🇮🇩 penuh duka

🇺🇦 уболіваний горем

🇵🇱 pogrożony w żalu

🇯🇵 悲嘆に暮れる

🇫🇷 accablé de chagrin

🇪🇸 afligido por el dolor

🇹🇷 kederli

🇰🇷 슬픔에 잠긴

🇸🇦 مفجوع

🇨🇿 sklíčený zármutkem

🇸🇰 zarmútený

🇨🇳 悲痛欲绝

🇸🇮 žalujoč

🇮🇸 sorgmæddur

🇰🇿 қайғыдан қан жұтқан

🇬🇪 გარდაცვალებით დამწუხრებული

🇦🇿 kədərli

🇲🇽 afligido por el dolor

Etymology

The term 'grief-stricken' originated in the 17th century, combining the words 'grief' and 'stricken'. It reflects the profound impact of loss or tragedy on an individual, highlighting the intense emotional turmoil that accompanies such experiences. The use of 'grief-stricken' captures the depth of sorrow and distress a person may feel in the face of significant adversity, making it a poignant and evocative term in the English language.