Heart-wrenching Definition & Meaning

Definition

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms heart-wrenching American [hahrt ren-ching] / ˈhɑrt ˈrɛn tʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing or involving great sadness or distress; heartbreaking.

   The accounts of their persecution are heart-wrenching.

Other Word Forms

• heart-wrenchingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of heart-wrenching

First recorded in 1835–40; heart ( def. ) + wrench ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was not the high, wobbly yowl of a cub, but the pure, heart-wrenching song of a young wolf.

From Literature

News of the dingoes' euthanisation was "heart-wrenching", he told Australian media, adding however that he recognised it may be necessary for safety because of the pack's behaviour.

From Barron's

Time and again, Ann’s hope is met with heart-wrenching pain, and to hear Seyfried’s angelic voice laced with her character’s despair is quite unlike anything I have ever experienced watching a film, musical or otherwise.

From Salon

Alzheimer’s, like many progressive diseases, is, by turns, heart-wrenching, demoralizing and draining.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It has quite a bit of sentimental value to me, so yes it is heart-wrenching," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• agonizing
• distressing
• gut-wrenching
• harrowing
• heartbreaking
• heartrending
• painful
• piteous
• sorrowful
• tormenting

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.