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

Watching him gradually turn tender sends tingles through your heartstrings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sparks is known for pulling at readers’ heartstrings with cinematic love stories — 11 of which have made their way to the big screen, and several of which Sparks produced himself.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"When people claim to be your missing daughter you haven't seen for this long, it pulls on your heartstrings. But it is damaging the search for Madeleine."

Read more on BBC

This also would have robbed Rain and Spaeny of the chance to channel the heroine the audience knows that she’ll never meet, yanking on our nostalgic heartstrings.

Read more on Salon

He was leaving Liverpool and no amount of emotional pull on the heartstrings would change his mind.

Read more on BBC