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 Ronan’s gut-wrenching performance as a recovering alcoholic in the film has been on prognosticators’ lists since the drama’s Sundance premiere in January. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024 This special shorts program of new Spanish frights includes tales of merciless revenge, spine-chilling supernatural terrors and gut-wrenching body horror. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 The most gut-wrenching moments of the RJC gathering occurred as Orna and Ronen Neutra, the parents of a young American hostage, spoke Thursday evening. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024 Fuller includes many gut-wrenching passages like the one above throughout the book, making his arguments sink in with the reader. Marybeth Gasman, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gut-wrenching 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gut-wrenching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near gut-wrenching

Cite this Entry

“Gut-wrenching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gut-wrenching. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

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