heartache

== English == === Alternative forms === heart-ach (obsolete) heart-ache (archaic) === 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. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhɑːteɪk/ === Noun === heartache (countable and uncountable, plural heartaches) Emotional distress or pain, often caused by a loved one or their absence. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== headache heartaching ==== Translations ====