throb

[ throb ]

verb (used without object)

, throbbed, throb·bing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈthrobbing, adjective
• ˈthrobbingly, adverb

Other Words From

• throb·ber noun
• out·throb verb (used with object) outthrobbed outthrobbing

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

Indeed, Solms shows how throbs of pleasure and pain guide our interactions with the world, making it possible for us to navigate a sea of uncertainty.

From Washington Post

Fame came with ER in the mid-1990s and Clooney's role as heart-throb doctor Doug Ross.

From The Daily Beast

No, it is not Ebola, though the throb of coverage would have it seem so.

From The Daily Beast

But this time, with all his cunning and perspiration, he could not induce another throb in the tired engines.

From Project Gutenberg

Could your millions, tea-king, buy for me a sweeter music than the valley's heart throb as it rocks itself to sleep?

From Project Gutenberg

Winston felt his pulses throb faster, for the girl's unabated confidence stirred him, but he looked at her gravely.

From Project Gutenberg

The next moment the engine began to throb regularly, and the blades of the propeller whirled.

From Project Gutenberg

Kari stood and a quiver ran through his muscles and I could see his body throb.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flutter
• pulse
• resonate
• tremble
• vibrate