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

Richter’s spare composition is meant to tug at the heartstrings, and it does its job just as well here, especially for unsuspecting viewers.

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He said claims like Wandelt's "pull on your heartstrings" but were "damaging" to the search for his daughter.

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A third of it wants to be a feisty industry satire, but the rest believes there’s prestige value in tugging on the heartstrings.

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Watching him gradually turn tender sends tingles through your heartstrings.

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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.

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