hurt someone's feelings
Wound their emotions
To hurt someone's feelings is to cause emotional pain through words or actions—by insulting, dismissing, or showing insensitivity: I didn't mean to hurt your feelings when I said the painting needed work.
The phrase implies the injury was to pride or self-worth rather than to deeper emotions like grief or heartbreak.
- argumentsDisputes or reasoning chains
- breakupsEndings of romantic relationships
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- sadnessState of emotional pain
- insultOffensive remark or action
harsh words · disappointment · criticism · backhanded compliment · rejection · mockery · mean spirited · low blow · empathy · neglect · insecurity · taking it personally · thoughtlessness · humiliation · indifference · public shaming · sarcasm · communication
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