Heartbreaker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heartbreaker

[ˈhɑːrtˌbreɪkər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in relationships

A person who is skilled at seducing and then quickly ending romantic relationships, leaving the other person feeling hurt and heartbroken.

Synonyms

charmer, player, seducer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
heartbreaker	The term 'heartbreaker' is used to describe someone who often ends relationships, leaving their partners emotionally hurt. This word carries a negative connotation. She was known as a heartbreaker because she ended her relationships without any warning. Nobody wanted to date him after hearing he was a heartbreaker.
charmer	A 'charmer' is someone who is very likeable and knows how to win people over with their personality and charm. This word has a positive connotation. Even at the party, he was a natural charmer, making everyone laugh. She was a charmer, always knowing the right thing to say.
seducer	A 'seducer' is someone who tries to get others romantically or sexually interested in them, often using their looks or charm. This word often has a negative connotation. The novel's main character was a seducer who left a trail of broken hearts. His reputation as a seducer made it hard for people to trust him.
player	The word 'player' is used to describe someone who dates multiple people at the same time without committing to any of them. It often carries a negative connotation. He gained a reputation as a player because he never stayed with one person for long. She realized he was a player when she saw him flirting with three different people at the same party.

Examples of usage

He was known as a notorious heartbreaker, charming his way into women's lives only to leave them devastated.
She thought he was different, but he turned out to be just another heartbreaker.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

music industry

An extremely popular and successful song or album that resonates with a wide audience, often evoking strong emotions.

Synonyms

chart-topper, emotional song, hit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
heartbreaker	This term is often used to describe a person, usually a romantic partner, who causes great emotional pain or sadness. It can also refer to a song that evokes strong feelings of sadness or longing. She knew he was a heartbreaker, but she couldn't resist him. Adele's latest single is a real heartbreaker.
hit	This is a general term for a successful and popular song or album, usually one that performs well on the music charts and receives heavy radio play. Their latest song is a hit, playing everywhere on the radio. After their hit single, the band gained international fame.
chart-topper	This is used to describe a song or an album that has reached the top position on the music charts. It indicates commercial success and widespread popularity. Their new album became a chart-topper within a week of its release. The single stayed a chart-topper for six consecutive weeks.
emotional song	Refers to a song that evokes strong emotions, commonly associated with themes of love, loss, or personal struggles. Specially used to highlight the emotional impact of the music or lyrics. Her emotional song brought tears to everyone's eyes during the concert. That emotional song reminds me of my first heartbreak.

Examples of usage

The singer's latest release is a real heartbreaker, with lyrics that touch the soul of listeners.
This album is a heartbreaker, every song hits you right in the feels.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Numerous songs, like Taylor Swift’s and The Chainsmokers' hits, revolve around the theme of heartbreak, capturing emotional struggles.
Movies often depict characters labeled as heartbreakers, showcasing the drama and consequences of romantic entanglements in stories.

Psychology

Experiencing heartbreak can trigger the brain's pain receptors, making emotional pain almost feel like physical pain.
Research suggests that heartbreak can lead to emotional trauma, with symptoms similar to those of grief or loss.

Literature

Heartbreak is a common theme in classic works, such as Shakespeare’s plays, reflecting deep emotional conflicts in love.
Contemporary novels often explore the journey of recovering from a heartbreaker and the lessons learned from lost love.

Music

The genre of heartbreak ballads has been notably popular, with artists crafting lyrics that resonate with shared experiences of love lost.
Heartbreaker songs often include deeply personal stories, connecting listeners through relatable emotions and experiences.

Origin of 'heartbreaker'

Main points about word origin

The term originates from the combination of 'heart,' representing emotions, and 'breaker,' indicating something that shatters or damages.
It started being used in the English language around the 19th century, aligning with the rise of romantic literature.

The term 'heartbreaker' originated in the 16th century and was originally used to describe a person who causes emotional pain or sorrow. Over time, it has evolved to have different meanings in various contexts, such as relationships and the music industry. The word is a combination of 'heart' and 'breaker,' emphasizing the idea of breaking someone's heart emotionally.