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Synonyms

heartache

American  
[hahrt-eyk] / ˈhɑrtˌeɪk /

noun

  1. emotional pain or distress; sorrow; grief; anguish.


heartache British  
/ ˈhɑːtˌeɪk /

noun

  1. intense anguish or mental suffering

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • heartaching adjective

Etymology

Origin of heartache

before 1000; Middle English hert ache, Old English heort ece; heart, ache

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

George Mitchell, Chloe's father, said any delay to a trial would bring "more trauma and heartache".

From BBC

Whatever happens, investors should remember that there is potential for heartache, too, when using stocks to bet on the outcome of an event.

From Barron's

It’s a simple step that could save you a lot of heartache if something is wrong, especially if you’re trying to get a mortgage or rent an apartment.

From MarketWatch

They're just kicking the can down the road and it's unnecessary heartache.

From BBC

"Lots of time, visits to solicitors, admin, heartache, worry - it's been a nightmare," he says.

From BBC