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Dictionary definition of agitate

To stir, disturb, or cause unrest or dissatisfaction in someone or something.
"The rumor about layoffs began to agitate the staff."

Detailed meaning of agitate

When a person agitates, they actively provoke or incite agitation, usually with the intention of bringing attention to an issue, voicing dissent, or generating change. Agitation can manifest in various forms, such as expressing strong emotions, advocating for a cause, or instigating protests or demonstrations. It involves stirring up feelings of unease, dissatisfaction, or discontent, often in a group or collective. Additionally, "agitate" can also refer to the physical action of shaking or stirring something vigorously, as in agitating a mixture or agitating water to create turbulence. In a social or political context, agitation plays a crucial role in raising awareness, challenging the status quo, and driving movements for reform or revolution.

Example sentences of agitate

1. Don't let your worries agitate your mind.
2. News of the impending storm might agitate the town's residents.
3. In the debate, his controversial views will agitate the audience.
4. Excessive noise can agitate the wildlife in this area.
5. Bright lights will agitate the baby, so let's keep the room dim.
6. The threat of job cuts will agitate the staff.

History and etymology of agitate

The verb 'agitate' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'agitare,' which is the frequentative form of 'agere,' meaning 'to drive' or 'to do.' In Latin, 'agitare' originally meant 'to set in motion' or 'to drive forward,' often with a sense of restlessness or agitation. As it transitioned into English, 'agitate' retained this fundamental sense of stirring or disturbing something, particularly in a way that causes unrest, dissatisfaction, or excitement. It describes the act of actively promoting change or provoking a reaction, often in a social or political context. Its etymology underscores the notion of actively driving or stirring up emotions, ideas, or movements, emphasizing the role of agitation in inciting change or unrest.

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Further usage examples of agitate

1. Rapid changes in temperature can agitate the sea, causing turbulence.
2. Don't agitate the dog; he's already nervous.
3. Loud music will agitate the neighbors, so keep the volume low.
4. Rumors about the company's bankruptcy may agitate the shareholders.
5. Frequent changes in policy can agitate the public, leading to unrest.
6. Please be gentle, vigorous shaking will agitate the solution in the test tube.
7. False news can agitate the populace, creating unnecessary panic.
8. The change in their environment will agitate the birds, causing them stress.
9. Will your decision to move out agitate your parents?
10. Misinformation can agitate the situation, leading to confusion and fear.
11. If we push too hard, we might agitate the opposing team.
12. Any sudden movement can agitate the snake, so approach it with care.
13. A sudden increase in taxes will agitate the small business owners.
14. The movie's graphic content may agitate sensitive viewers, so viewer discretion is advised.