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Zerrissenheit

inner turmoil, torn feeling, emotional fragmentation

noun tsair-RIS-en-hite Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Usage Note

Zerrissenheit describes a feeling of being torn apart internally by conflicting loyalties, desires, or emotions. It is a strong, literary word — innere Zerrissenheit (inner turmoil) is very common in literary criticism and self-reflection.

Examples

"Die innere Zerrissenheit zwischen Pflicht und Leidenschaft ließ ihn nachts nicht schlafen."

Natural Translation

The inner turmoil between duty and passion kept him awake at night.

Literal Translation

The inner torn-apart-ness between duty and passion let him nights not sleep.

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