A condition of deep emotional pain, sorrow, or heartbreak; also, a skin condition appearing as a reddish area on fruits caused by environmental stress.
From 'heart' plus 'scald' (from Old Norse 'skaldi,' meaning to burn or injure). The word combines the emotional center (heart) with the image of burning pain to express deep sorrow.
The word 'scald' originally referred to burning by hot liquid, but when applied to emotional pain ('heartscald'), it beautifully captures how psychological hurt can feel as immediate and searing as physical burns.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.