heartrending

[ hahrt-ren-ding ]

adjective

1. causing or expressing intense grief, anguish, or distress.

Other Words From

• heartrending·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartrending¹

First recorded in 1680–90; heart + rending ( def )

Example Sentences

She delicately balances steeliness and vulnerability to deliver a heartrending performance.

From Los Angeles Times

In what is one of the most heartrending scenes in the franchise, two Ewoks are struck by an explosion as they’re scurrying for shelter.

From Salon

The movie heartrendingly chronicles the downward spiral of Fleck, a socially awkward, impoverished man who lives with his abusive mother.

From Salon

And McCrimmon, whose voice grows more majestic and multi-hued as the musical’s emotion ramps up, delivers this aching anthem with heartrending virtuosity.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a pleasant summer day along the waters off the coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica when marine biologist Christine Figgener captured the heartrending video that sparked the movement to ban plastic straws.

From National Geographic

Related Words

• agonizing
• distressing
• excruciating
• harrowing
• heart-wrenching
• heartbreaking
• sad
• touching
• tragic