gut-wrenching

adjective

gut-wrench·​ing ˈgət-ˌren-chiŋ How to pronounce gut-wrenching (audio)
: causing mental or emotional anguish

Examples of gut-wrenching in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mom’s gut-wrenching message to parents after teenage son dies in twin brother’s arms. FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 The irony of the trade is that Cortes and Williams surrendered the two most gut-wrenching home runs of the 2024 postseason. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 In gut-wrenching detail, directors Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza recreate a real-life skirmish the latter survived in Iraq. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025 This is a gut-wrenching reality at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. Melanie Sniff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gut-wrenching

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gut-wrenching was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Gut-wrenching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gut-wrenching. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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