throb

1 of 2

verb

ˈthräb 

throbbed; throbbing

intransitive verb

1

: to pulsate or pound with abnormal force or rapidity

2

: to beat or vibrate rhythmically

throbber noun

throb

2 of 2

noun

: beat, pulse

Synonyms

Verb

• beat
• palpitate
• pit-a-pat
• pitter-patter
• pulsate
• pulse

Noun

• beat
• beating
• palpitation
• pulsation
• pulse

Examples of throb in a Sentence

Verb

Her finger throbbed with pain.

The music throbs with a Caribbean beat.

drums throbbing in the distance

Noun

the throb of the drums

The pain has changed to a dull throb.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The washboard-like texture provides a light massage with every step, which felt especially good on day three of my training plan when my soles were throbbing. —Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 13 Sep. 2024

The scent’s signature blue light fills the room that throbs with strobe lights and people dancing. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

Noun

The timing—the beat, the lag, the throb of the void—between stimulus and reaction. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2024

As Emmanuelle watches herself through her lens, an autoerotic pulse throbs through the movie like a heartbeat. —Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 22 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English throbben

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

throb

verb

ˈthräb

throbbed; throbbing

1

: to beat hard or fast (as from fright or pain)

her injured ankle was throbbing

2

: to beat or vibrate with a steady rhythm

throb noun

Medical Definition

throb

1 of 2 intransitive verb

ˈthräb 

throbbed; throbbing

: to pulsate or pound especially with abnormal force or rapidity

a finger throbbing from an infected cut

throb

2 of 2 noun

: a single pulse of a pulsating movement or sensation

a sudden throb of pain