tearjerker

American  

[teer-jur-ker] / ˈtɪərˌdʒɜr kər /

noun

1. a story, play, movie, or the like that is sentimental or sad enough to evoke pangs of emotion to the point of tears.

   This new version of a classic tearjerker is touted as the must-see film of the holiday season, but it lacks the genuine warmth of the original.

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Other Word Forms

• tearjerking adjective

Etymology

Origin of tearjerker

First recorded in 1930–35; tear ¹ + jerk ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Since its Cannes premiere, “Sentimental Value” has been lauded for such scenes, which underline the subtle force of this intelligent tearjerker about a frayed family trying to repair itself.

From Los Angeles Times

“Every conversation is almost a tearjerker,” she said.

From MarketWatch

The adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel is a real tearjerker, which is a huge part of its allure for devoted fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Written and recorded over three weeks in late 2023, Who Believes In Angels? has received rave reviews from critics, who have called it "a gutsy, flamboyant tearjerker" and a "late-career high".

From BBC

She has no children or partner, but this is not some clichéd tearjerker in which our protagonist must fill the hole in herself with a baby or a lover.

From Los Angeles Times