bestir

[ bih-stur ]

verb (used with object)

, be·stirred, be·stir·ring.

1. to stir up; rouse to action (often used reflexively):

   She bestirred herself at the first light of morning.

bestir

/ bɪˈstɜː /

verb

1. tr to cause (oneself, or, rarely, another person) to become active; rouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of bestir¹

before 900; Middle English bistiren, Old English bestyrian to heap up. See be-, stir ¹

Example Sentences

“Very true,” said Grenville, giving the ostler a kick and telling him to bestir himself if he did not want his ears cropped.

From Project Gutenberg

To sit still, however, was to yield to the rising spirit of reformation, and they determined to bestir themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

She could go out and move about and bestir herself, whereas in Manchester Square she could only sit and mope at home.

From Project Gutenberg

They are doing this already; and the news of it should make thoughtful people bestir themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, there was nothing to do but to wait patiently until his guide chose to bestir itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agitate
• arouse
• awaken
• disturb
• fire up
• galvanize
• heighten
• incite
• inflame
• kindle
• provoke
• rile
• startle
• stir
• trigger
• wake up
• whip up
• work up