The phrase “break one’s heart” is a commonly used expression that has been around for many years. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is deeply hurt or emotionally devastated by something that has happened to them. This article will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of “break one’s heart,” as well as its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
To break one’s heart means to cause someone great emotional pain or distress. It is often used to describe a situation where someone’s hopes, dreams, or expectations have been shattered, leaving them feeling devastated and heartbroken.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “break one’s heart” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 16th century. The phrase was first recorded in William Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet,” in which the character Ophelia says, “Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be. God be at your table!” This line is often interpreted as meaning that we do not know what the future holds, and that it is possible for our hopes and dreams to be shattered.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to break one’s heart means to cause someone great sadness or emotional pain. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the phrase as causing someone to feel great sadness or disappointment.
Associations
The phrase “break one’s heart” is often associated with love and romantic relationships. It is used to describe a situation where someone has been deeply hurt by a romantic partner or has had their heartbroken by a failed relationship. However, the phrase can also be used in a broader sense to describe any situation where someone has been emotionally devastated by something that has happened to them.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “break one’s heart” include:
- Crush.
- Devastate.
- Shatter.
- Wound.
- Hurt.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “break one’s heart” include:
- Comfort.
- Soothe.
- Mend.
- Heal.
- Reassure.
The same root words
The phrase “break one’s heart” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to the concept of heartbreak, which is a compound word made up of “heart” and “break.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase “break one’s heart”:
- It broke my heart to see her cry.
- Losing the championship game was a heartbreaker for the team.
- The news of his death has broken my heart.
- She was heartbroken when he broke up with her.
- The thought of leaving her family behind broke her heart.
In conclusion, the phrase “break one’s heart” is a commonly used expression that describes a situation where someone is deeply hurt or emotionally devastated by something that has happened to them. It is often associated with love and romantic relationships, but can also be used in a broader sense to describe any situation where someone has been emotionally devastated. The phrase has been around for many years and is likely to continue to be used for many more.