heartstrings

[ hahrt-stringz ]

plural noun

1. the deepest feelings; the strongest affections:

   to tug at one's heartstrings.

heartstrings

/ ˈhɑːtˌstrɪŋz /

plural noun

1. facetious.
   deep emotions or feelings

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartstrings¹

First recorded in 1475–85; heart + strings ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartstrings¹

C15: originally referring to the tendons supposed to support the heart

Example Sentences

“Play my heartstrings with both your hands,” she commands, “and I’ll sing like a symphony for you.”

From New York Times

Meanwhile, Lidl - like John Lewis - has gone for a classic tale designed to tug at the heartstrings.

From BBC

When I'm with my two-year-old, the heartstrings pull.

From Salon

Its mood is often playful, until there’s a hard tug at the heartstrings.

From New York Times

Not long after he had regained his composure, the former Manchester City and England keeper was having his heartstrings pulled again when he was substituted late on.

From BBC