Definition

The feeling of deep sadness or emotional pain, often due to love or loss.

Example

After the breakup, she felt a deep heartsickness that was hard to shake off.

Conversation

Have you ever felt such deep heartsickness after a breakup?

Yeah, I went through that last year, and it was really tough.

It's like you can't escape that feeling, right?

Absolutely, it takes time to heal from that kind of heartsickness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heartsickness is formed from "heart" (from Old English "heorte", meaning the organ that pumps blood and also symbolizes emotion) and "sickness" (from Old English "sēoc", meaning ill or unwell). The word describes a state of emotional distress or longing, often associated with love or loss, that affects one's heart.

Memory Tip

Think of the heart as the center of emotions, and when someone feels 'sick' from love or loss, it leads to heartsickness.

Visually Confused Words