Break somebody’s heart Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity Used to express very deep emotions when someone is hurt emotionally. Watching her childhood home being torn down broke her heart. Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbolic Usage Sometimes used exaggeratedly for minor sadness, not only for severe cases. It breaks my heart to see my favorite plant wither. Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Sense This phrase doesn't involve physical harm, but speaks to emotional hurt. The news of the dying forest broke her heart.