Palpitate \Pal"pi*tate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Palpitated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Palpitating}.] [L. palpitare, palpitatum, v. intens. fr. pappare. See {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.