Heart-rending

Heart-rending describes something that causes deep sorrow, grief, and emotional pain. It evokes a profound sense of sadness, empathy, and often a feeling of helplessness. The term typically applies to situations involving suffering, loss, or injustice, and can also describe artistic works, such as literature, music, or film, which successfully depict such themes and evoke a strong emotional response in the audience. It’s the kind of experience, or depiction of experience, that tears at the core of one's being, leaving a lasting impact on the soul. The impact is often linked to feelings of empathy and a sense of shared humanity, highlighting the fragility and challenges inherent in the human condition. These events or depictions often involve a confrontation with vulnerability, loss, and suffering.

Heart-rending meaning with examples

• The documentary offered a heart-rending account of the refugees' perilous journey, detailing their loss of homes, families and belongings, and the desperation they faced. The story showcased the raw reality of war and the resilience of those affected, leaving the audience with profound sympathy.
• The heart-rending violin solo perfectly captured the character’s grief. Each note was filled with sorrow and desperation, mirroring the internal turmoil felt by the individual at the center of the story as they reflected on the lost love and betrayal. It captured the true sadness of life.
• The news report provided a heart-rending description of the victims' families, their tears, and their memories of those who were affected by the tragedy, as they processed the loss and grieved openly. The shared grief created a collective experience of sadness.
• Reading the heart-rending letters from the soldiers, their last words before they went to war, offered a glimpse of their thoughts, fears, and love for those they would never see again. It reminded us of the sacrifices made.
• The artist's painting displayed the heart-rending image of a mother holding her deceased child, and communicated not only grief but also unconditional love and sorrow. The piece left viewers with a profound and lasting impression.