heartbreak

Definition

Overwhelming mental anguish or grief, especially that caused by loss or disappointment.

Etymology

From heart + break. Compare heartache § Etymology.

Example Sentences

• "So while Ralph generally seems to inhabit a different, more glorious and joyful universe than everyone else here his yearning and heartbreak are eminently relateable. Ralph sometimes appears to be a magically demented sprite who has assumed the form of a boy, but he’s never been more poignantly, nakedly, movingly human than he is here."