Heartthrob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heartthrob

[ˈhɑːrtˌθrɒb ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

romantic interest

A heartthrob is a person, typically a celebrity, who is considered very attractive and generates strong romantic feelings in others. They often have a large following of admirers who are captivated by their charm and charisma.

Synonyms

crush, heartbreaker, idol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
heartthrob	Used to describe someone who is very attractive and likely to be the object of many people's romantic feelings. Often used for celebrities or popular public figures. The actor became an overnight heartthrob after the release of his hit movie. Teen magazines often feature the latest Hollywood heartthrob on their covers.
crush	Refers to a strong feeling of romantic attraction, often fleeting and typically experienced by young people. It can also be used casually for light romantic interests. She has a crush on the new boy in her class. My first crush was on a girl in my kindergarten class.
idol	Used to describe someone admired greatly, typically for their talents or accomplishments, rather than purely for their attractiveness. While it can include physical attraction, it often encompasses respect and admiration for talent or achievements. The young singer quickly became an idol to millions of fans worldwide. For many aspiring athletes, the tennis player is an idol.
heartbreaker	Describes someone who is attractive but is known for ending romantic relationships frequently, often leaving their partners hurt. It has a negative connotation. He’s known as a heartbreaker, so be careful if you start dating him. After multiple failed relationships, she had a reputation as a heartbreaker.

Examples of usage

He became a teenage heartthrob after starring in that romantic movie.
She swooned over the latest heartthrob in the music industry.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Numerous celebrities have been labeled as heartthrobs, including actors like James Dean and contemporary stars like Harry Styles.
Heartthrobs are often featured in young adult literature, symbolizing the intense feelings of first love.
The term is frequently used in music, with many songs dedicated to the experience of crushing on a heartthrob.

Psychology

Attraction can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, making someone feel excited around their heartthrob.
Research indicates that feelings of attraction can increase heart rate and physical symptoms, hence the term 'throb' in heartthrob.
The concept of a heartthrob taps into the psychology of young love, often reflecting idealistic notions of romance.

Literature

Heartthrobs are common archetypes in romance novels, embodying qualities that draw readers into love stories.
Characters described as heartthrobs often show depth and vulnerability, making them more relatable and desirable.
Classic literature features heartthrob figures, influencing the portrayal of romantic leads in modern storytelling.

Fashion

The 'heartthrob' image is often linked to specific fashion styles, such as rockstar aesthetics or charm enhancing wardrobe choices.
Fashion trends popularized by heartthrobs can influence youth culture, often creating fan followings based on style.
Styling heartthrobs in media often includes elements that evoke a sense of charm and elusive attractiveness.

Origin of 'heartthrob'

Main points about word origin

The term 'heartthrob' originated in the early 20th century, used to describe someone who causes one's heart to beat faster due to attraction.
The first recorded use of 'heartthrob' in print dates back to the 1920s, reflecting a cultural shift towards romantic expressions in media.
It combines 'heart,' representing emotions, and 'throb,' depicting the physical reaction of excitement.

The term 'heartthrob' originated in the early 1900s and was initially used to describe a pulsating sensation in the chest. Over time, it evolved to refer to someone who causes the heart to throb with romantic feelings. The concept of a heartthrob has been prevalent in popular culture, especially in the entertainment industry, where actors, musicians, and other celebrities are often labeled as heartthrobs.