heartthrob
AmericanUsage
What does heartthrob mean? A heartthrob is someone, especially a pop culture figure, who is considered an object of romantic desire. Traditionally, the word has been almost exclusively applied to young men.The word is especially used in the phrase teen heartthrob, referring to a young person, especially a musician or actor, who is the object of teenagers’ romantic affection, especially that of teenage girls. Teen heartthrobs are sometimes teenagers themselves, though they’re often in their 20s or sometimes even older.This popular sense of heartthrob comes from the use of the word to mean a sweetheart—someone’s romantic partner.Less commonly, heartthrob can be used as another word for a rapid heartbeat. Based on this meaning, it can also be used figuratively to refer to a passionate emotion. Neither of these senses are commonly used anymore.Example: Every generation has a heartthrob idolized for their good looks, talent, and charismatic personality.
Etymology
Origin of heartthrob
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.
South Korea is globally renowned for its beauty, from heartthrob idols and picturesque actresses to elaborate skin-care regimens and world-class plastic surgeons.
Former “Grey’s Anatomy” heartthrob Patrick Dempsey trades in his “McDreamy” scrubs for a high-powered rifle in Fox’s thriller drama.
From Los Angeles Times
Redford, the picture of a classic cowboy and blonde heartthrob, was no stranger to subverting expectations in his work onscreen.
From Salon
As someone young enough to have witnessed Butler’s emergent days as a Nickelodeon and Disney Channel teen heartthrob firsthand, I’ll admit that I never quite understood the appeal.
From Salon
Despite a handful of notable television showings — may we never forget Tom Welling’s “Smallville” heartthrob status — Superman as a character has been fittingly impervious.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
