palpitate
[pal-pi-teyt]
verb (used without object), pal·pi·tat·ed, pal·pi·tat·ing.
to pulsate with unusual rapidity from exertion, emotion, disease, etc.; flutter: His heart palpitated wildly.
to pulsate; quiver; throb; tremble.
verb (used with object), pal·pi·tat·ed, pal·pi·tat·ing.
to cause to pulsate or tremble.
Origin of palpitate
Synonym study
1. See pulsate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for palpitating
pound, quiver, throb, pulsate, pulse, shiver, vibrate, tremble, flutter, pitter-patterExamples from the Web for palpitating
Historical Examples of palpitating
They were sorry for the little white-faced, palpitating thing.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay Sinclair
When he was finally in the coat, she was rather flushed and palpitating.
KMary Roberts Rinehart
They stood before him palpitating like birds, poised, tense for flight.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
Then Pierre, having quieted his palpitating heart, drew near.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
I stood by with a palpitating heart as he turned the lock and opened the door.
City of Endless NightMilo Hastings
palpitate
verb (intr)
Word Origin for palpitate
C17: from Latin palpitāre to throb, from palpāre to stroke
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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palpitate
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper