throbbing

Everyday

1. A throbbing pain beats again and again, like a pulse: a throbbing headache or a throbbing thumb. tree →
2. Throbbing describes a strong, steady beating sound or movement, like throbbing music or engines. tree →
3. As a verb, throbbing is the -ing form of «throb», to beat strongly. tree →

In the lessons

In health and first aid, a throbbing finger after hitting it with a hammer, or a throbbing toothache, tells a nurse or doctor about the kind of pain. In stories, a throbbing heart shows fear or excitement, and throbbing music shows a loud party. Phrases: «a throbbing headache», «a throbbing pain», «heart throbbing».

Examples

• I had a throbbing headache after the noisy party. tree →
• My thumb was throbbing after I shut it in the door. tree →
• The music was throbbing through the walls. tree →
• Her heart was throbbing with fear. tree →
• The engine gave a low throbbing hum. tree →
• Ice helped the throbbing in my ankle. tree →

Note

Double b: throb → throbbed, throbbing. A «heartthrob» is a famous person many fans have a crush on.