Definition of agitate

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< agita

agitation >

ag·i·tate    (j-tt) KEY 

VERB:
ag·i·tat·ed, ag·i·tat·ing, ag·i·tates
VERB:
tr.

1. To cause to move with violence or sudden force.
2. To upset; disturb: was agitated by the alarming news.
3. To arouse interest in (a cause, for example) by use of the written or spoken word; debate.

VERB:
intr.

To stir up public interest in a cause: agitate for a tax reduction.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin agitre, agitt- frequentative of agere, to drive, do; see ag- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
agi·tated·ly  (-ttd-l) KEY (Adverb), agi·tative(Adjective)

SYNONYMS:
agitate, churn, convulse, rock², shake

These verbs mean to cause to move to and fro violently: land agitated by tremors; a storm churning the waves; buildings and streets convulsed by an explosion; a hurricane rocking trees and houses; an earthquake that shook the ground.