throb

[throb]

verb (used without object)

throbbed, throbbing 

1. to beat with increased force or rapidity, as the heart under the influence of emotion or excitement; palpitate.

2. to feel or exhibit emotion.

   He throbbed at the happy thought.

3. to pulsate; vibrate.

   The cello throbbed.

noun

1. the act of throbbing.

2. a violent beat or pulsation, as of the heart.

3. any pulsation or vibration.

   the throb of engines.

throb

/ θrɒb /

verb

1. to pulsate or beat repeatedly, esp with increased force

   to throb with pain

2. (of engines, drums, etc) to have a strong rhythmic vibration or beat

noun

1. the act or an instance of throbbing, esp a rapid pulsation as of the heart

   a throb of pleasure

Other Word Forms

• throbber noun
• outthrob verb (used with object)
• throbbingly adverb
• throbbing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of throb¹

First recorded in 1325–75; unattested Middle English throbben, implied in present participle throbbant “throbbing”; further origin unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of throb¹

C14: perhaps of imitative origin

Synonym Study

See pulsate.

Example Sentences

The daily fix is all that’s keeping millions from a throbbing headache and foul mood.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“I’m not getting blood to my leg. That’s why my leg is throbbing.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We wince whenever the film leaps from Hank’s fresh-faced past to his throbbing present, especially when he sprints and we fear he’ll pop a stitch.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

With a wink and a flick of her ponytail, Sue and six other dancers — all sporting shiny, one-piece leotards with gratuitous cutouts — begin to gyrate, thrust, and squat to throbbing electronic music.

Read more on Salon

A trio of artists are trying to sneak smut past the censors, led by Malta's Miriana Conte, with a throbbing club track called Serving.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• flutter 
• pulse 
• resonate 
• tremble 
• vibrate