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

Say what you will, though, he never tried to tug at our heartstrings by making Marlowe an orphan.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes I see tabloid stuff online and it tugs at my heartstrings.

From The Daily Beast

She saw that her duty was before her; she must nerve herself and face it, though it tore her heartstrings.

From Project Gutenberg

Three or four horrible suggestions arose in succession to jerk at her heartstrings.

From Project Gutenberg

The thoughts of this orphan boy clung to her heartstrings with a fondness for which she herself was unable to account.

From Project Gutenberg

The appeal which touched the heartstrings of all persons served a double purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

It meant the tearing out of his very heartstrings which had found root at a woman's feet.

From Project Gutenberg