Palpitate: meaning, definitions and examples

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palpitate

 

[หˆpรฆlpษชหŒteษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

To have rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeats.

Synonyms

pound, pulsate, throb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
palpitate

Used when describing an abnormal, fast, or irregular heartbeat, often due to excitement, anxiety, or illness.

  • Her heart began to palpitate when she saw the surprise guest.
  • The patient complained that his heart palpitates at night.
pound

Better suited for describing a heart beating very hard and fast, often because of physical exertion, fear, or strong emotion.

  • After the race, his heart was pounding in his chest.
  • Her heart pounded with fear when she heard the strange noise.
throb

Typically describes a strong, steady, rhythmic beat and can also refer to sensations such as pain or excitement. It carries a vivid and sometimes emotional connotation.

  • His head throbbed after a long day at work.
  • She felt her heart throb with excitement when she opened the letter.
pulsate

Appropriate for describing a rhythmic beat in a broader context, such as the beat of a drum, music, or a signal. It can also refer to the steady beat of blood through the veins.

  • The music caused the lights to pulsate in time with the beat.
  • She could feel the blood pulsate in her temples.

Examples of usage

  • My heart started to palpitate when I heard the news.
  • She could feel her heart palpitate with fear.
  • The patient's heart began to palpitate during the stress test.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To shake or tremble from nervousness, emotion, or excitement.

Synonyms

quiver, shiver, tremble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
palpitate

Used to describe an irregular or rapid heartbeat, often due to excitement, anxiety, or exertion.

  • Her heart began to palpitate when she saw the surprising news.
  • After running up the stairs, he could feel his heart palpitate.
quiver

Describes a slight, rapid movement, often due to weakness, fear, or excitement. Can refer to both animate and inanimate objects.

  • Her lips quivered as she tried to hold back the tears.
  • The leaves quivered in the gentle breeze.
tremble

Describes involuntary shaking or shuddering, often due to strong emotions like fear, excitement, or weakness.

  • Her hands trembled as she opened the mysterious letter.
  • He felt himself tremble with excitement as he approached the stage.
shiver

Refers to shaking slightly, usually because of cold or fear. Often has a slightly negative connotation.

  • He began to shiver when he stepped out into the cold night.
  • The thought of the haunted house made her shiver with fear.

Examples of usage

  • I could feel my hands palpitate as I approached the stage.
  • Her voice palpitated with emotion as she spoke about her experience.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'palpitare,' which means 'to flutter' or 'to throb.'
  • This Latin term is derived from 'palpus,' meaning 'to stroke' or 'to touch gently,' highlighting the gentle nature of a heartbeat.
  • The term has been used in English since the 16th century, reflecting the human body's response to various emotions.

Health & Medicine

  • Palpitations can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, stress, or excessive caffeine intake.
  • In some cases, heart palpitations may indicate a serious heart condition, necessitating medical attention.
  • Understanding oneโ€™s heart rate can be important for athletes, as it helps monitor physical exertion during training.

Psychology

  • Physical sensations like palpitations can heighten feelings of anxiety, creating a feedback loop of distress.
  • Mindfulness and breathing exercises can help individuals manage the psychological aspect of rapid heartbeats.
  • The perception of palpitations often varies from person to person, influenced by their emotional state and mental health.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, rapid heartbeats often signify moments of suspense or romantic tension, enhancing emotional engagement.
  • Songs and music often mimic this idea by using fast, rhythmic beats to represent excitement or fear.
  • Famous works, such as Edgar Allan Poeโ€™s 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' utilizes the heartbeat as a symbol of guilt and anxiety.

Literature

  • In poetry, heart palpitations can symbolize passion, love, or fear, bringing a visceral connection to the reader.
  • Writers have often used the phrase 'palpitate' in narratives to illustrate moments of tension or heightened emotion.
  • Classic literature, such as works by Jane Austen, often depicts characters' heart rates as a reflection of their feelings and social situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "palpitate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น palpitar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคกเคผเค•เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช pochen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berdebar-debar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะตะผั‚ั–ั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koล‚ataฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‹•ๆ‚ธใŒใ™ใ‚‹ (ใฉใ†ใใŒใ™ใ‚‹)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท palpiter

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ palpitar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงarpฤฑntฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ ๋™์น˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุฎูู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ buลกit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bรบลกiลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‚ธๅŠจ (jรฌdรฒng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ utripati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hamast

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดาฏั€ัั–ะปะดะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒ™แƒฃแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรถyรผntรผ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ palpitar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,680, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.