tearjerker

[ teer-jur-ker ]

noun

1. a story, play, movie, or the like that is sentimental or sad enough to evoke pangs of emotion to the point of tears:

   This new version of a classic tearjerker is touted as the must-see film of the holiday season, but it lacks the genuine warmth of the original.

Other Words From

• tear·jerk·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tearjerker¹

First recorded in 1930–35; tear ¹ + jerk ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Dog—which was written by Carolin and Brett Rodriguez—is largely a comedy, and only partly a tearjerker.

From Time

As Bichir put it, his tearjerker role is just the sort that actors “die” for.

From The Daily Beast

It was the ultimate tearjerker: a mother pointing a finger at her daughter, who faces death for killing her granddaughter.

From The Daily Beast