Main Entry: ag·i·tate

Pronunciation: \ˈa-jə-ˌtāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ag·i·tat·ed; ag·i·tat·ing

Etymology: Latin agitatus, past participle of agitare, frequentative of agere to drive — more at agent

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 a obsolete : to give motion to b : to move with an irregular, rapid, or violent action <the storm agitated the sea>
2 : to excite and often trouble the mind or feelings of : disturb
3 a : to discuss excitedly and earnestly b : to stir up public discussion ofintransitive verb : to attempt to arouse public feeling <agitated for better schools>

synonyms see shake, discompose

— ag·i·tat·ed·ly adverb

— ag·i·ta·tion \ˌa-jə-ˈtā-shən\ noun

— ag·i·ta·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective