Heartbreak Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heartbreak

[ˈhɑːrtbreɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of extreme sadness and disappointment

Heartbreak is a deep emotional pain or suffering, usually caused by the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or a disappointment. It can manifest as physical pain in the chest and a sense of emptiness. It often involves feelings of grief, longing, and despair.

Synonyms

anguish, despair, grief, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
heartbreak	This word is often used to describe the intense emotional suffering that comes from a deep personal loss, usually in the context of romantic relationships. She felt an immense heartbreak after their breakup. His sudden departure left her in heartbreak.
grief	Grief is typically associated with the process of mourning after a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one. It encompasses a range of emotional responses to loss. He couldn't sleep due to the overwhelming grief from his father's passing. Her grief was evident in her tearful eyes.
sorrow	Sorrow denotes a feeling of deep sadness or regret. It can be used in both personal losses and broader tragic situations. She spoke with great sorrow about her lost opportunity. His eyes were filled with sorrow after the tragic event.
despair	Despair is used to describe a complete loss or absence of hope. It is often used in situations where someone feels utterly defeated or hopeless. She sank into despair after hearing the bad news. The continuous failures led him to despair.
anguish	Anguish refers to severe mental or physical pain. It is used in situations that involve extreme distress and can be related to various forms of suffering, beyond just emotional pain. He was in deep anguish over the tragic accident. The anguish of losing his job was unbearable.

Examples of usage

I went through a heartbreak when my partner left me for someone else.
Her heartbreak was evident in the tears streaming down her face.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

the event or situation causing extreme sadness and disappointment

Heartbreak can also refer to the actual event or situation that leads to such intense emotional pain. It can be a sudden loss, a betrayal, or a shattered dream. It can leave a lasting impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being.

Synonyms

crisis, devastation, disappointment, tragedy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
heartbreak	Used when describing a profound emotional pain caused by love or loss, often in a romantic context. She felt a deep heartbreak when her fiancé called off the wedding. His heartbreak was evident after his beloved dog passed away.
devastation	Describes extreme damage or destruction, emotional or physical, often on a large scale. The hurricane left a trail of devastation in the coastal town. She felt utter devastation upon hearing the tragic news.
tragedy	Often used to describe a distressing or fatal event, especially one involving human suffering, with a serious or dramatic tone. The accident was a tragedy that affected the entire community. Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is a classic tragedy.
disappointment	Refers to a feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations, generally less intense than heartbreak. He couldn't hide his disappointment when he didn't get the promotion. The movie was a disappointment to everyone who eagerly awaited its release.
crisis	Appropriate for situations of intense difficulty, danger, or trouble, usually with broader implications for individuals or groups. The financial crisis left many unemployed. They are doing everything they can to manage the crisis caused by the natural disaster.

Examples of usage

The heartbreak of losing a child is unimaginable.
His heartbreak came when he discovered the truth about his best friend's betrayal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiencing heartbreak can activate the same brain areas that respond to physical pain, indicating that emotional distress can feel physically painful.
Research suggests that heartbreak can lead to actual physical symptoms, such as chest pain and fatigue, through the body’s stress response.
People often cope with heartbreak by seeking social support, which can aid in emotional healing.

Pop Culture

Heartbreak has inspired countless songs across genres, often resonating with listeners' own emotions, exemplified by classics like 'Tears Dry on Their Own' by Amy Winehouse.
Movies and literature frequently explore the theme of heartbreak, showcasing its impact on characters and their journeys, like in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'.
Social media has transformed how people express heartbreak, with hashtags and posts allowing shared experiences of loss and healing.

History

Throughout history, heartbreak was often romanticized in poetry, with famous poets like John Keats capturing the pain and beauty of love lost.
The concept of heartbreak can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where emotional pain was sometimes attributed to divine punishment or fate.
In wartime literature, soldiers often wrote about heartbreak not only in love but also in losing their comrades, depicting deep emotional scars.

Art

Artists frequently depict heartbreak in their work, using symbolism and color to convey deep emotions associated with love lost.
Famous paintings like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' communicate existential despair, often linked to feelings similar to heartbreak.
Contemporary art movements continue to explore themes of love and loss, showcasing diverse interpretations of emotional pain.

Origin of 'heartbreak'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'heart', derived from Old English 'heorte', and 'break', which comes from the Old English 'brecan', meaning to shatter.
The term has been used in English literature since the 1600s to describe emotional pain, linking physical and emotional suffering.
Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for intense emotional distress, not just physical injury.

The word 'heartbreak' originated from the combination of 'heart' and 'break,' reflecting the idea of emotional pain or distress that feels like a physical breaking of the heart. The concept of heartbreak has been prevalent in literature, music, and art for centuries, depicting the profound impact of loss and disappointment on human emotions.