1. a deep feeling or emotion, especially one that is tender or sentimental; often used in the phrase 'tug at one's heartstrings'
Usage: usually used in plural form (heartstrings); figurative use
2. one of the nerves or tendons formerly thought to support the heart
Usage: archaic; anatomical

Examples

• The story of the lost child tugged at everyone's heartstrings.
• Her performance pulled at the heartstrings of the entire audience.
• The charity's mission to help orphans really tugs at my heartstrings.
• That movie is designed to tug at your heartstrings with its emotional ending.
• The old photograph stirred his heartstrings and brought back memories.
• She knew exactly how to play on his heartstrings to get what she wanted.