break one's heart

phrase

: to crush emotionally with sorrow

He broke my heart when he said he was leaving.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of break one's heart was in the 15th century

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break one's fall

break one's heart

break one's neck

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Style

“Break one's heart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20one%27s%20heart. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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break one's heart

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