Advertisement
Advertisement
stir
1[ stur ]
verb (used with object)
- to move one's hand or an implement continuously or repeatedly through (a liquid or other substance) in order to cool, mix, agitate, dissolve, etc., any or all of the component parts:
to stir one's coffee with a spoon.
- to set in tremulous, fluttering, or irregular motion:
A soft breeze stirred the leaves.
- to affect strongly; excite:
to stir pity;
to stir one's heart.
- to incite, instigate, or provoke (usually followed by up ):
to stir up a people to rebellion.
Synonyms: spur, goad, stimulate, provoke, instigate, incite, arouse, foment, rouse
- to move briskly; bestir:
to stir oneself.
- to move, especially in a slight way:
He would not stir a finger to help them.
- to rouse from inactivity, quiet, contentment, indifference, etc. (usually followed by up ):
to stir up his potential.
- to bring up for notice or discussion.
- Older Use. to disturb; trouble:
A slow wave of remembrance stirred her peace.
verb (used without object)
- to move, especially slightly or lightly:
Not a leaf stirred.
- to move around, especially briskly; be active:
Everyone in the house was stirring.
- to become active, as from some rousing or quickening impulse.
- to be emotionally moved or strongly affected.
- to be in circulation, current, or afoot:
Is there any news stirring?
noun
- the act of stirring or moving.
- the sound made by stirring or moving slightly.
- a state or occasion of general excitement; commotion:
The news created a stir.
Synonyms: bustle, uproar, disorder, agitation, pother, fuss
Antonyms: quiet
- a mental impulse, sensation, or feeling:
a stir of hope.
- a jog, poke, or thrust:
He gave the refuse a stir with his foot.
- movement, especially brisk and busy movement:
There was too much clamor and stir for her.
stir
2[ stur ]
noun
stir
1/ stɜː /
verb
- to move an implement such as a spoon around in (a liquid) so as to mix up the constituents
she stirred the porridge
- to change or cause to change position; disturb or be disturbed
he stirred in his sleep
- introften foll byfrom to venture or depart (from one's usual or preferred place)
he won't stir from the fireside
- intr to be active after a rest; be up and about
- tr to excite or stimulate, esp emotionally
- to move (oneself) briskly or vigorously; exert (oneself)
- tr to rouse or awaken
to stir someone from sleep
to stir memories
- informal.whentr, foll by up to cause or incite others to cause (trouble, arguments, etc)
- stir one's stumps informal.to move or become active
noun
- the act or an instance of stirring or the state of being stirred
- a strong reaction, esp of excitement
his publication caused a stir
- a slight movement
- informal.a noisy party
Stir.
2abbreviation for
- Stirlingshire
stir
3/ stɜː /
noun
- a slang word for prison
in stir
Derived Forms
- ˈstirrable, adjective
Other Words From
- stirra·ble adjective
- stirless adjective
- stirless·ly adverb
- un·stirra·ble adjective
- un·stirred adjective
- well-stirred adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of stir1
Origin of stir2
Word History and Origins
Origin of stir1
Origin of stir2
Idioms and Phrases
- stir the pot. pot 1( def 26 ).
More idioms and phrases containing stir
- cause a commotion (stir)
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
It was Trump’s supporters, often angry and stirred up by him, who were dangerous to our physical well-being.
The party's leader, David Seymour, has dismissed opponents as wanting to "stir up" fear and division.
It’s a major non-Nato ally and has been leery of Russian influence in Algeria, Libya and the Sahel - adding up to a mix that would be stirred if Trump cuts deals with Putin.
Yes, California’s newly elected Democratic senator requires bulked-up security to get through life, thanks to the animosity and violent threats stirred up by the vengeful president-elect.
And there was to be no stirring comeback from the hosts.
Advertisement
Related Words
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse