Agitate

/ˈædʒɪˌteɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To move or stir up; to disturb or excite emotionally.

The activist's speech was designed to agitate the crowd into action.

To incite or instigate; to promote or encourage (something).

The organization was formed to agitate for social justice reforms.

To stir or shake (a liquid) to promote a reaction or mixing.

Please agitate the solution before adding the reagent.

To vex or trouble; to cause anxiety or concern.

The ongoing debates in the community agitate her thoughts.

From Latin 'agitare', frequentative of 'agere' meaning 'to drive, act'.

agitate for change

To actively campaign or advocate for changes in a situation.

agitate the waters

To cause disturbance or unsettle a situation or a group.

agitated state

A condition of emotional disturbance or unrest.

agitation

The state of being agitated; emotional disturbance.

agitator

A person who stirs up public feeling, especially for political purposes.

agitated

In a state of anxiety or nervousness.

To get someone worked up.

Stop agitating him, he’s already on edge.

To annoy or provoke someone.

She knows how to agitate him just for fun.