tearjerker

American  

[teer-jur-ker] / ˈtɪərˌdʒɜr kər /

noun

tearjerkers plural

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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• tearjerking
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• tearjerkers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of tearjerker

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

Explanation

A heartwarming movie about the cat and dog who become best friends, are tragically separated, and then reunite years later — much to the joy and relief of a misty-eyed audience — would easily be classified as a tearjerker. A tearjerker is an emotionally powerful story that often brings the audience to tears. It typically explores deep themes like love, loss, and victory, resonating strongly with viewers or readers. By featuring characters who face significant challenges or life-altering events, these narratives allow the audience to empathize with the characters’ struggles and triumphs. Engaging with a tearjerker can be a positive emotional journey, causing reflection on personal experiences and feelings.

Example Sentences

“Gwar and NPR, they said it couldn’t be done,” lead singer Blöthar the Berserker said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2023

Beat Berserker, as a product of my own imagination, is neither.

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2023

Guterson also names various forms of plants and wildlife, although the most frightening specimen is the one he describes in a piece called “Woodland Trail-Troll Berserker devil — Bear.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2019

Although widely used among pro players, it was inarguably over-powered especially as when combined with another card, the Frothing Berserker, it could offer a one turn kill.

From The Guardian • Dec. 1, 2015

“It’s a Berserker tradition,” he said to Christopher, in answer to his look.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell