palpitate

verb

pal·​pi·​tate ˈpal-pə-ˌtāt How to pronounce palpitate (audio)
palpitated; palpitating
Synonyms of palpitatenext

intransitive verb

: to beat rapidly and strongly : throb
My heart began to palpitate when I was announced as the winner.

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of palpitate in a Sentence

My heart began to palpitate when I was announced as the winner. the man's heart began to palpitate, and he feared another attack was coming on
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Broad palpitated with energy. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025 The finale had the impossible task of putting the monstrous show to an unquiet grave, and while some storylines seemed rushed and others completely ignored, even everyone’s least favorite season of GOT is heart palpitating. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin palpitatus, past participle of palpitare, frequentative of palpare to stroke

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of palpitate was circa 1623

Browse Nearby Words

palpitant
palpitate
palpitatingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palpitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palpitate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

palpitate

verb
pal·​pi·​tate ˈpal-pə-ˌtāt How to pronounce palpitate (audio)
palpitated; palpitating
: to beat rapidly and strongly : throb, quiver

Medical Definition

palpitate

intransitive verb
pal·​pi·​tate ˈpal-pə-ˌtāt How to pronounce palpitate (audio)
palpitated; palpitating
: to beat rapidly, irregularly, or forcibly
—used especially of the heart

More from Merriam-Webster on palpitate

Nglish: Translation of palpitate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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