Teardrop: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word combines 'tear,' which comes from Old English 'tear' and means 'to drop' or 'to flow,' and 'drop,' referring to a small amount of liquid.
• Historically, tears were thought to have magical properties, used in ancient cultures for rituals and healing.

Psychology

• Tears can be triggered by a wide range of feelings, from sadness to joy, highlighting their role in emotional expression.
• Some studies suggest that crying can be a form of stress relief, helping to process emotional experiences.

Art and Literature

• Tear imagery is frequently used in poetry and art, symbolizing a deep emotional experience—both sorrow and catharsis.
• Famous works, like Shakespeare’s plays, use tears as a motif to explore human emotions and vulnerabilities.

Pop Culture

• Music often references tears, with many songs capturing the essence of heartbreak and the release that comes from crying.
• In film, teardrops are often used as visual symbols to evoke empathy, portraying characters' emotional journeys.

Science

• There are three types of tears: basal (to keep the eye moist), reflex (from irritants), and emotional (from feelings).
• Tears contain stress hormones and other chemicals that are believed to help the body cope with emotional distress.