Agitate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Agitate means to stir up, disturb, or upset someone emotionally, or to shake or mix something physically. It can also refer to campaigning for social or political change.
Definition:
To disturb or excite emotionally, or to stir vigorously.
Synonyms:
Stir, disturb, upset, provoke, rouse
Part of Speech:
Verb
Antonyms:
Calm, soothe
Common Collocations:
Agitate the mixture, agitate for change, agitate the water
Derivatives:
Agitation, agitator, agitating
Usage Tips:
Use "agitate" for emotional disturbance or physical stirring; avoid overuse in casual contexts.
Common Phrases:
Agitate the waters, agitate for reform, agitate the crowd
Etymology:
From Latin *agitare*, meaning "to set in motion," frequentative of *agere* ("to drive").
Examples:
- 1. The loud noise began to agitate the baby.
- 2. She tried not to agitate the already tense situation.
- 3. The washing machine will agitate the clothes to clean them thoroughly.
- 4. Protesters continue to agitate for better working conditions.