Throb: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

To describe a regular rhythmic action or hitting something repeatedly.

• The drums began to beat loudly.
• His heart beats fast when he’s nervous.

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.

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.

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.

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.