Main Entry: ¹stir

Pronunciation: \ˈstər\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): stirred; stir·ring

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English styrian; akin to Old High German stōren to scatter

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 a : to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of b : to disturb the quiet of : agitate —often used with up <the bear stirred up the bees>
2 a : to disturb the relative position of the particles or parts of especially by a continued circular movement <stir the pudding> <stir the fire> —often used with up <stirred up mud from the lake bottom> b : to mix by or as if by stirring —often used with in <stir in the spices>
3 : bestir, exert
4 : to bring into notice or debate : raise —often used with up <stir up sensitive issues>
5 a : to rouse to activity : evoke strong feelings in <music that stirs the emotions> b : to call forth (as a memory) : evoke c : provoke <stir a storm of controversy>intransitive verb 1 a : to make a slight movement <the leaves were barely stirring> b : to begin to move (as in rousing) c : to shift to another location : budge <haven't stirred since I arrived>
2 : to begin to be active <the factory stirred to life>
3 : to be active or busy <not a creature was stirring — Clement Moore>
4 : to pass an implement through a substance with a circular movement
5 : to be able to be stirred

— stir·rer noun