Heartbreaking
/ˈhɑːrtˌbreɪkɪŋ/
Definitions
Causing intense sorrow or emotional distress.
/ˈhɑːrtˌbreɪkɪŋ/
Causing great sadness or grief.
The news of the natural disaster was heartbreaking.
💡 Simply: Think of a sad movie scene or a story that makes you cry. When something is heartbreaking, it's so sad that it can make you feel really down.
👶 For kids: When something is heartbreaking, it makes you feel very, very sad. Like when your ice cream falls on the ground!
More Examples
It was heartbreaking to see the family's reaction to the loss.
The heartbreaking story touched everyone in the audience.
How It's Used
"The documentary was heartbreaking, showing the struggles of refugees."
"The protagonist's loss was a heartbreaking moment in the novel."
"The news of the accident was heartbreaking to the community."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From "heart" + "breaking", reflecting the feeling of overwhelming sadness or grief caused by an event or situation. It emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century, becoming a common expression as emotional language evolved.
The word's usage has increased significantly with the rise of media and the greater accessibility of stories evoking strong emotions.
Memory tip
Imagine your heart literally breaking into pieces. That's how heartbreaking it feels.
Word Origin
"The center of emotions, and the seat of love and sadness."