If someone's heart palpitates, it beats very fast in an irregular way, because they are frightened or anxious. He felt suddenly faint, and his heart began to palpitate
If something palpitates, it shakes or seems to shake. She lay on the bed, her eyes closed and her bosom palpitating. if your heart palpitates, it beats quickly in an irregular way (past participle of palpitare, from palpare; PALPABLE)
To beat rapidly and more strongly than usual; to throb; to bound with emotion or exertion; to pulsate violently; to flutter; said specifically of the heart when its action is abnormal, as from excitement
beat rapidly; "His heart palpitated" cause to throb or beat rapidly; "Her violent feelings palpitated the young woman's heart