Palpitate/ˈpælpɪteɪt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Triggers Palpitate often describes a physical reaction to strong emotions like fear or excitement. As the audience applauded, her heart palpitated with pride. Pro Tip 2/3Sensory Experience Use 'palpitate' to express a feeling that is strong enough to sense internally. During the silence of the exam, I could feel my heart palpitating. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative 'Palpitate' is not just connected to fear, but also to positive feelings like joy. She received his letter, and her heart palpitated with joy.