Break somebody’s heart
verb phrase
To cause someone to feel severe sadness or disappointment.
When John found out his girlfriend was leaving him, it broke his heart.
Often appears as...
- it broke her heart
- it would break his heart
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To reject or be unfaithful to someone who loves you, causing them intense emotional pain.
She broke his heart when she decided to marry someone else.
Often appears as...
- break someone's heart by leaving
- break someone's heart by cheating
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To cause someone to feel severe sadness or disappointment.
When John found out his girlfriend was leaving him, it broke his heart.
Often appears as...
- it broke her heart
- it would break his heart
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To reject or be unfaithful to someone who loves you, causing them intense emotional pain.
She broke his heart when she decided to marry someone else.
Often appears as...
- break someone's heart by leaving
- break someone's heart by cheating
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
Used to express very deep emotions when someone is hurt emotionally.
Watching her childhood home being torn down broke her heart.
Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbolic Usage
Sometimes used exaggeratedly for minor sadness, not only for severe cases.
It breaks my heart to see my favorite plant wither.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Sense
This phrase doesn't involve physical harm, but speaks to emotional hurt.
The news of the dying forest broke her heart.
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