I. ˈthräb intransitive verb
( throbbed ; throbbed ; throbbing ; throbs )
Etymology: Middle English throbben, probably of imitative origin
1.
a. : to pulsate with abnormal force or rapidity (as from fright, pain, or agitation) : palpitate
her heart throbbed with sudden shock
a finger throbbing from an infected cut
b. : to pulsate, vibrate, or beat in a normal rhythmic manner
pulse throbbing steadily
the engines throbbed quietly beneath the deck
2. : to become moved strongly by or as if by emotion
a spirit throbbing with desire
the child throbbed with loneliness
Synonyms: see pulsate
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a single pulse of a pulsating movement or sensation (as of pain or violent emotion)
a sudden throb of pain
each throb of her heart
2. : a rhythmic pulsation or beating
a pulsating rhythm, like the throb of … many machines in a big factory — W.T.C.King