throbbing

[ throb-ing ]

See synonyms for: throbbing throbbings on Thesaurus.com

adjective

beating or pulsing rapidly or forcefully, as the heart under the influence of emotion or excitement: One may use a sweet, patient tone and words, but the throbbing vein in the temple betrays one’s anger.
feeling or exhibiting strong emotion or passion: As he spoke to the students crashing the climate convention, he was clearly thrilled to be there in that throbbing mass of youthful exuberance.

pulsating or vibrating regularly: The throbbing sound was now at full volume, and it was indeed drums—deep, heavy goatskin drums.
being or feeling pain that occurs in rhythmic waves or bursts: A sinus infection often results in a throbbing headache.He pounded on the closed door, but with no effect apart from a throbbing fist.
full of or characterized by lively energy: This throbbing metropolis is also the world capital of salsa.

noun

the act of beating fast or forcefully, pulsating or vibrating, or occurring in rhythmic waves: The pain in his shoulder had subsided to a dull throbbing.Astronomers have measured the throbbing of a sun-like star 24 light-years away.
the act or fact of feeling or exhibiting strong emotion or passion: The throbbing of my rage was so powerful that the ground trembled.

lively energy: Feel the throbbing of the world’s cultures at the annual international festival this weekend!

Origin of throbbing

First recorded in 1400–50; throb + -ing² for the adjective senses; throb + -ing¹ for the noun senses

As my injured leg improves, my left leg starts aching, then throbbing, near my hip.
You’re Never ‘Cured’ of an Eating Disorder | Carrie Arnold | December 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“The room would just be throbbing,” actress Anjelica Huston recalled to NPR.
The Isle Where the Rolling Stones Began | Nina Strochlic | September 5, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Usually I am completely unaware of my eyeballs, and yet right now, they are throbbing?
So You Have an Inconsequential But Awful Illness | Kelly Williams Brown | January 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Historically, migraines were labeled a hysterical female condition, characterized by throbbing, one-sided, nauseating pain.
Why Everything from Frigid Temperatures to Lightning Can Induce Migraines | Caitlin Dickson | January 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When my feet land on the soft-carpeted floor, my hand starts throbbing.
After War: Anger, Panic, and Sometimes Peace | Benjamin Tupper | June 26, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

The Seneschal leaned back, and was concerned to feel his pulses throbbing a shade too quickly.
St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
He marched to meet it with the throbbing pulses of a soldier rushing to victory or a saint to martyrdom.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol | William J. Locke
With his face thrust into the cold night air Tom felt the blood go throbbing in his temples.
The Wave | Algernon Blackwood
He felt inclined to believe it, but while it soothed his torn and throbbing pride, it by no means lessened his apprehension.
Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
No sob, no sigh, forced its way from her heart, throbbing as though it would burst.
The Girls of Central High on the Stage | Gertrude W. Morrison

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