Palpitate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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palpitate
[หpรฆlpษชหteษชt ]
Definitions
medical
To have rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeats.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| palpitate |
Used when describing an abnormal, fast, or irregular heartbeat, often due to excitement, anxiety, or illness.
|
| pound |
Better suited for describing a heart beating very hard and fast, often because of physical exertion, fear, or strong emotion.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
general
To shake or tremble from nervousness, emotion, or excitement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| palpitate |
Used to describe an irregular or rapid heartbeat, often due to excitement, anxiety, or exertion.
|
| quiver |
Describes a slight, rapid movement, often due to weakness, fear, or excitement. Can refer to both animate and inanimate objects.
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| tremble |
Describes involuntary shaking or shuddering, often due to strong emotions like fear, excitement, or weakness.
|
| shiver |
Refers to shaking slightly, usually because of cold or fear. Often has a slightly negative connotation.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 oneโs 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 Poeโs '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.
Origin of 'palpitate'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'palpitate' comes from the Latin word 'palpitare', meaning 'to throb or tremble'. The term was first used in the mid-17th century to describe the rapid or irregular beating of the heart. Over time, 'palpitate' has come to be used more broadly to describe any shaking or trembling motion, particularly in relation to emotions or excitement.