Broken-hearted

Broken-hearted describes a state of profound sadness, grief, and emotional distress, often resulting from a significant loss, disappointment, or betrayal. It signifies a deep sense of sorrow and vulnerability, accompanied by feelings of pain, loneliness, and despair. The experience can manifest physically as well as emotionally, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. The condition reflects a shattered sense of self or a disruption in one's emotional equilibrium, often making it challenging to cope with everyday life. It's a complex emotion tied to a perceived irreparable damage to one's heart, leaving an individual feeling desolate and inconsolable. The severity of the condition can vary widely, ranging from a fleeting sense of melancholy to a debilitating sense of emptiness, dependent on the individual and the context of their emotional pain. The feeling generally reflects a major event in the individual's life.

Broken-hearted meaning with examples

• After the sudden death of her beloved pet, Sarah was utterly broken-hearted. She spent weeks grieving, replaying memories, and struggling to find joy in anything. She felt as though a vital part of her world had been extinguished, leaving her hollow and bereft of comfort or meaning. The emptiness was profound and constant.
• John was broken-hearted when his long-term relationship ended abruptly. The realization that his future was irrevocably altered left him reeling and disoriented. He struggled with the separation, missing the intimacy and companionship they had shared, and the future they had envisioned together, leaving him with a deep sense of loss.
• The news of her rejection from her dream university left Emily broken-hearted. The application process had been arduous, and she had poured her heart and soul into her essays. Her hopes were shattered, and the pain was worsened by the feeling that her hard work had been in vain. She felt as though a future she had desperately desired had been stolen.
• Following her best friend's betrayal, Maria felt completely broken-hearted. The unexpected deceit and the damage done to their friendship left her wounded. The pain was compounded by feelings of anger and confusion, making it difficult for her to trust anyone and making the world feel unsafe and unkind, and the path ahead uncertain.
• Witnessing the suffering of refugees in the news, the humanitarian worker was heartbroken. The scope of their adversity weighed heavily on her conscience. The powerlessness of the world to make a significant change in the face of such misery compounded the trauma and left her feeling overwhelmed. The suffering of strangers filled her with sadness.