heartache

UK: ˈhɑːteɪk | US: ˈhɑːrteɪk

Definition

  1. n. Emotional pain or distress, especially caused by love or loss.

Structure
heart <organ of emotion>ache <pain>
Etymology

The word "heartache" combines "heart," symbolizing emotional core in Old English (heorte), with "ache," derived from Old English æce (pain). This pairing reflects the physical metaphor of emotional suffering as literal heart pain, a concept dating back to medieval physiology where the heart was considered the seat of emotions. The term has retained its vivid imagery across centuries.

Examples

  1. The breakup left her with a deep heartache.

  2. He wrote songs to ease his heartache after losing his love.

  3. Time may heal heartache, but the memories linger.

  4. Her letters revealed the heartache of waiting for his return.

  5. The novel explores the heartache of unrequited love.