Heartrending: meaning, definitions and examples

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heartrending

 

[ ˈhɪərˌrɛndɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

emotional situation

The term 'heartrending' describes something that causes deep emotional pain or sadness. It often refers to experiences, stories, or events that evoke strong feelings of grief or sorrow. The effect of heartrending situations can linger in a person's mind, creating a lasting emotional impact. This word is commonly used in literature and discussions about personal tragedies or profound emotional experiences.

Synonyms

emotional, moving, poignant, sorrowful, tragic

Examples of usage

  • The heartrending story of the orphan touched everyone's hearts.
  • She watched the heartrending movie that made her cry.
  • The heartrending news about the disaster spread quickly.

Translations

Translations of the word "heartrending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comovente

🇮🇳 दिल को छू लेने वाला

🇩🇪 herzzerreißend

🇮🇩 mengharukan

🇺🇦 зворушливий

🇵🇱 wzruszający

🇯🇵 心を打つ

🇫🇷 déchirant

🇪🇸 desgarrador

🇹🇷 yürek burkan

🇰🇷 가슴 아픈

🇸🇦 مؤلم

🇨🇿 srdceryvný

🇸🇰 srdcervúci

🇨🇳 心碎的

🇸🇮 srce parajoč

🇮🇸 hjartnæmur

🇰🇿 жүректі ауыртатын

🇬🇪 გულიამწუხებელი

🇦🇿 ürək dağlayan

🇲🇽 desgarrador

Etymology

The word 'heartrending' has its origins in the early 19th century, combining 'heart,' which has been associated with emotion and sentiment since ancient times, and 'rending,' which comes from the Old English 'rendan,' meaning to tear or rip apart. This compound reflects the notion of something that metaphorically tears at one’s heart or feelings. The term captures the essence of a profound emotional experience that is often overwhelming and intense. It has been widely used in literature, poetry, and discussions around themes of loss, love, and empathy, emphasizing the human capacity for deep emotional responses. Over time, 'heartrending' has solidified its place in the English language, often describing works of art and narratives that touch upon painful truths of the human condition.