throb

[throb]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR throb ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), throbbed, throb·bing.

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

to feel or exhibit emotion: He throbbed at the happy thought.

to pulsate; vibrate: The cello throbbed.

noun

the act of throbbing.

a violent beat or pulsation, as of the heart.

any pulsation or vibration: the throb of engines.

Nearby words

Origin of throb

1325–75; Middle English *throbben, implied in present participle throbbant throbbing < ?

Related formsthrob·ber, nounthrob·bing·ly, adverbout·throb, verb (used with object), out·throbbed, out·throb·bing.un·throb·bing, adjective

Synonym study

3. See pulsate.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for throbbing

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|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|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|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|DAILY BEAST

From my neck to my temples, there is a throbbing soreness on both sides of my face, all radiating from the hinge of my jawbone.
After War: Anger, Panic, and Sometimes Peace|Benjamin Tupper|June 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Earl placed an elbow on his knee, using his hand as a rest for his throbbing temples.
The Hindered Hand|Sutton E. Griggs
The sunshine, blazing through the open window, accelerated the throbbing in his temples.
Phases of an Inferior Planet|Ellen Glasgow
But not on her own account had she that throbbing fear at her heart; she felt for her mistress alone.
Gladys, the Reaper|Anne Beale
The drums took on a rhythm, a throbbing in 5/8 time, rapid, venomous.
West Of The Sun|Edgar Pangborn
But next day, the throbbing feeling of insufferable coldness in the foot compelled me to return at once.
The Story of John G. Paton|James Paton

British Dictionary definitions for throbbing

throb

verb throbs, throbbing or throbbed (intr)

to pulsate or beat repeatedly, esp with increased forceto throb with pain

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

noun

the act or an instance of throbbing, esp a rapid pulsation as of the hearta throb of pleasure

Derived Formsthrobbing, adjectivethrobbingly, adverb

Word Origin for throb

C14: perhaps of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for throbbing

throb

mid-14c., of uncertain origin, perhaps meant to represent in sound the pulsation of arteries and veins or the heart. Related: Throbbed; throbbing. The noun is first attested 1570s.

Medicine definitions for throbbing

throb

[thrŏb]

v.

To beat rapidly or perceptibly, such as occurs in the heart or a constricted blood vessel.

n.

A strong or rapid beat; a pulsation.

throb

verb (used without object), throbbed, throb·bing.

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of throb

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for throbbing

throb

verb throbs, throbbing or throbbed (intr)

noun

Word Origin for throb

throb

throb

v.

n.