Definition of HEARTACHE

heartache

Meanings

Plural: heartaches

Noun

  • intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
  • Emotional distress or pain, often caused by a loved one or their absence.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English heorteece, heorte-ece, from Old English heorteċe, equivalent to heart + ache. Blends both literal and figurative aspects, as emotional distress sometimes includes a physical element of chest discomfort. Compare heartbreak § Etymology, where the literal aspect is lesser, though it still has a physiological basis.

Scrabble Score: 17

heartache is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
heartache is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
heartache is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

heartache is a valid Words With Friends word