palpitate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Slightly formal/medical; common in descriptive and literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “palpitate” mean?
(especially of the heart) to beat rapidly, strongly, or irregularly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(especially of the heart) to beat rapidly, strongly, or irregularly.
To shake, tremble, or quiver, typically due to strong emotion, fear, or excitement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The verb form is used identically. The derived noun 'palpitation(s)' is far more common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, medical connotations are primary, but figurative/literary use is well-established.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in medical/health contexts in AmE, but overall usage is comparable.
Grammar
How to Use “palpitate” in a Sentence
[heart/chest] palpitates (intransitive)palpitate with [emotion: fear, excitement, anxiety]palpitate [adverb: wildly, violently]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “palpitate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her heart began to palpitate erratically during the stressful interview.
- He could feel his chest palpitate with a mixture of dread and anticipation.
American English
- My heart started to palpitate wildly after climbing all those stairs.
- She palpitated with nervous energy before going on stage.
adverb
British English
- (Rare, typically 'palpitatingly') The suspense was palpitatingly intense.
American English
- (Rare) He waited palpitate with excitement for the results. (Non-standard, poetic)
adjective
British English
- The palpating rhythm of the machinery was unnerving.
- He was admitted with a palpitate heart and shortness of breath. (Rare/poetic)
American English
- The doctor noted the palpating artery in his temple. (Rare/technical)
- She felt a palpitate thrill run through her. (Literary)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in medical, physiological, and psychological texts describing physical symptoms of arousal or distress.
Everyday
Used to describe intense nervous or excited physical reactions. 'My heart was palpitating after that scare.'
Technical
Clinical description of cardiac arrhythmia or tachycardia.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “palpitate”
- Using it transitively (*The news palpitated him).
- Confusing with 'palpate'.
- Overusing in non-physical contexts (??The market palpitates).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary use is for the heart or chest, it can be used figuratively for other things that seem to throb or tremble, like 'a palpitating light' or 'the palpitating city' (literary).
'Palpitate' implies a rapid, strong, and often irregular or noticeable beating, usually due to an abnormal state (illness, strong emotion). 'Pulse' is more neutral, describing the regular, rhythmic beat of blood flow.
Yes. The noun 'palpitations' (almost always plural) is the most common way to express the symptom in everyday language, e.g., 'The caffeine gives me heart palpitations.'
Yes, it can describe the physical effect of positive excitement or anticipation, e.g., 'Her heart palpitated with joy at the news.'
(especially of the heart) to beat rapidly, strongly, or irregularly.
Palpitate is usually slightly formal/medical; common in descriptive and literary contexts. in register.
Palpitate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpæl.pɪ.teɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpæl.pə.teɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Her] heart was palpitating like a trapped bird.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PAL trying to PIT a giant ATE (ancient creature) – your heart would PALPITATE with fear!
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSE EMOTION IS PHYSICAL AGITATION / THE HEART IS A BEATING DRUM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'palpitate' LEAST appropriate?