Heart-rending

usgb/ˈhɑːrt rendɪŋ/
adjective

Making you feel very sad or shocked.

The child told a heart-rending story about his family's experience during the war.
Visual representation of "heart-rending" - Making you feel very sad or shocked

Often appears as...

  • a heart-rending story
  • heart-rending scene
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "heart-rending"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Deep Sadness

Use 'heart-rending' to describe events or stories that cause profound sorrow.

Illustration for Deep Sadness
The news featured a heart-rending report about the earthquake victims.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Empathy Trigger

'Heart-rending' suggests that the situation is so sad that it's as if someone's heart is being torn apart.

Illustration for Empathy Trigger
Her heart-rending plea for help moved everyone who heard it.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Impact

Reserve 'heart-rending' for scenarios that have extreme emotional impact, not just mildly sad situations.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
They witnessed a heart-rending reunion between the lost dog and its owner.
Visual representation of the word "Heart-rending"

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