Throb: meaning, definitions and examples

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throb

[θrɒb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

To beat with a strong, regular rhythm; to pulsate or pound.

Synonyms

beat, pound, pulse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
throb	To describe a rhythmic pulsing, often in relation to pain or strong emotions. Her head began to throb with a severe headache. His heart throbbed with excitement.
pulse	To describe a steady, regular beat, often related to the heartbeat or electronic signals. The doctor checked his pulse to see if it was regular. The lights pulsed gently to the music.
pound	To describe hitting something heavily or a very strong, repetitive feeling, often with force. He pounded the door with his fists. Her heart was pounding after the intense workout. The rain pounded against the windows.
beat	To describe a regular rhythmic action or hitting something repeatedly. The drums began to beat loudly. His heart beats fast when he’s nervous.

Examples of usage

His heart throbbed with excitement before the big race.
The pain throbbed in her temples.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sensation

A strong, regular pulse or rhythmic beating.

Synonyms

beat, pulsation, pulse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
throb	This word is often used to describe a strong, regular beat that you can feel, such as the sensation you might have in your head when you have a headache or in your heart when you're excited or scared. It can also describe an intense, rhythmic feeling or emotion. My temples began to throb with pain. She could feel the music throb through the floor.
pulse	Commonly used to describe the rhythmic throbbing of the arteries that occurs as blood is pumped through them, especially when measured at someone's wrist or neck. It can also refer to a single beat or throb, as well as the rhythm of life or energy in a particular context. The doctor checked her pulse. The pulse of the city beats strongly.
beat	Generally used to describe the regular hitting or striking sensation, such as a heartbeat or the rhythm of music. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the rhythm of events or actions. I could hear the beat of his heart. The beat of the drum echoed in the night.
pulsation	This word is used in more technical or formal contexts to describe a rhythmic vibration or a wave-like motion. Often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the rhythmic expansion and contraction movements. The pulsation of the vein was clearly visible. He felt a gentle pulsation in the water.

Examples of usage

She could feel the throb of the music in her chest.
The throb of the engine filled the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'throb' comes from the Old English 'þrofian', which meant to beat or pound.
It has evolved through Middle English as 'throbbing' to describe the rhythmic beating we often associate with pain or excitement.

Science

Heartbeat is a classic example of throbbing, as it sends waves of blood through arteries, creating a rhythmic sensation.
Throbbing pain is linked to the brain's response to inflammation or injury, showcasing the body's way of signaling a problem.

Art

In literature, the term 'throb' often evokes emotions and depth, as authors use it to describe intense feelings or sensations.
Visual artists use rhythm in pieces to create a sense of throbbing motion, engaging viewers' feelings and attention.

Music

Many genres of music play with rhythms that create a throbbing sensation, which can energize or move audiences.
In electronic music, a 'throb' can be created through bass lines that pulse with the beat, encouraging dancing and movement.

Cultural References

The term 'throb' has been used in various pop songs to describe love and heartache, highlighting its emotional resonance.
Movies often depict a throbbing score during suspenseful moments, enhancing the viewer's excitement and anxiety.

Translations

Translations of the word "throb" in other languages:

🇵🇹 latejar

🇮🇳 धड़कना

🇩🇪 pochen

🇮🇩 berdenyut

🇺🇦 пульсувати

🇵🇱 pulsować

🇯🇵 ズキズキする

🇫🇷 pulsation

🇪🇸 latir

🇹🇷 zonklamak

🇰🇷 욱신거리다

🇸🇦 ينبض

🇨🇿 pulsovat

🇸🇰 pulzovať

🇨🇳 搏动

🇸🇮 utripati

🇮🇸 þruma

🇰🇿 соғып тұру

🇬🇪 ფეთქვა

🇦🇿 döyünmək

🇲🇽 latir

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,699, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20696 insubordination
20697 alternator
20698 jovial
20699 throb
20700 curvilinear
20701 striven
20702 scolding
...