Tearjerker: meaning, definitions and examples

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tearjerker

[ˈtɪrˌdʒɜrkər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

A sentimental or melodramatic movie, play, or book that is designed to evoke strong emotions, such as sadness or empathy, in the audience.

emotional drama, heart-wrenching story, sob story.

Word	Description / Examples
tearjerker	Best used when describing a movie, book, or play that is very sentimental and likely to make people cry. The movie was a real tearjerker, I couldn't stop crying. If you're in the mood for a tearjerker, you should watch that film.
emotional drama	Best suited for describing a serious or emotional narrative that deeply explores characters’ feelings and relationships. The new play is an emotional drama that delves into family dynamics. She enjoys emotional dramas that tug at the heartstrings.
heart-wrenching story	Used to describe a story that is extremely sad and evokes a strong sense of empathy and sorrow. The heart-wrenching story of the orphan moved everyone in the audience. It’s a heart-wrenching story about love and loss.
sob story	This term often has a negative connotation, typically used when describing a story that is overly sentimental or manipulative in trying to elicit pity or sympathy. I got tired of listening to his sob story about losing his job. She always comes up with a sob story to get what she wants.

The term 'tearjerker' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, combining 'tear' and 'jerker' to describe something that pulls at your emotions.
It became popular in the 1960s, especially with the rise of emotional dramas in film and literature.

Some of the most famous tearjerkers include films like 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Titanic', which have emotional storylines that resonate with viewers.
Award-winning films often have tearjerker moments, showcasing loss, love, or deep connection, which can lead to critical acclaim.

Many songs that evoke strong emotions, like 'Tears in Heaven' by Eric Clapton or 'Someone Like You' by Adele, are considered tearjerkers.
These songs often tell very personal stories that listeners can relate to, enhancing the emotional response.

Emotional responses to tearjerkers can trigger the release of hormones like oxytocin, which promotes feelings of empathy and connection.
Research shows that people may seek out sad stories to process their own emotions or experiences, using them as a form of emotional catharsis.

Classic novels, such as 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Where the Red Fern Grows', often contain tearjerker elements that compel readers to confront deep feelings.
Authors use tragic character arcs and poignant moments to create lasting emotional impact, connecting readers to the narrative.

Translations of the word "tearjerker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 história comovente

🇮🇳 दिल को छू लेने वाली कहानी

🇩🇪 Rührstück

🇮🇩 cerita yang mengharukan

🇺🇦 зворушлива історія

🇵🇱 wzruszająca historia

🇯🇵 涙を誘う話

🇫🇷 histoire émouvante

🇪🇸 historia conmovedora

🇹🇷 duygusal hikaye

🇰🇷 감동적인 이야기

🇸🇦 قصة مؤثرة

🇨🇿 dojemný příběh

🇸🇰 dojemný príbeh

🇨🇳 感人的故事

🇸🇮 ganljiva zgodba

🇮🇸 hjartnæm saga

🇰🇿 жүректі тебірентетін әңгіме

🇬🇪 შთამაგონებელი ამბავი

🇦🇿 ürəyiaçan hekayə

🇲🇽 historia conmovedora