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heartbreak

/ˌhɑrtˈbreɪk/
/ˈhɑtbreɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: heartbreaks

Heartbreak is a feeling of overwhelming sadness and grief. As Elvis sang, "Well, since my baby left me, I found a new place to dwell. Well, it's down at the end of Lonely Street, at Heartbreak Hotel."

Heartbreak can result from the breakup of a romantic relationship, or even the end of a platonic friendship — the heartbreak of having your best childhood pal move to another country can last a long time. The deep sorrow you feel when a loved one dies is an even more lasting and terrible kind of heartbreak. You can also use this word in an exaggerated way: "The soccer team's heartbreak was evident when they lost that match."

Definitions of heartbreak
  1. noun
    intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
    see moresee less
    types:
    dolor, dolour
    (poetry) painful grief
    type of:
    sorrow
    an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement
Pronunciation
US
/ˌhɑrtˈbreɪk/
UK
/ˈhɑtbreɪk/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘heartbreak'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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