English · Emotions & Feelings
heartbroken
/ˈhɑːt.brəʊ.kən/
[/ˈhɑːt.brəʊ.kən/]
deeply saddened
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Feeling overwhelming grief or sorrow, especially because of lost love or a painful disappointment.
Example
She was heartbroken when her closest friend moved to another country without saying a proper goodbye.
She was heartbroken when her closest friend moved to another country without saying a proper goodbye.
Etymology
A compound of 'heart' and 'broken', based on the ancient image of the heart as the seat of emotion.
How & Where It’s Used
Used especially about lost love, but also about any deep personal sorrow.