stir

¹stir

verb \ˈstər\

stirredstir·ring

Definition of STIR

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

Examples of STIR

1. The cake batter must be stirred for 10 minutes.
2. Stir one cup of sugar into the batter.
3. She was stirred from her sleep by the noise.
4. The breeze stirred the leaves on the tree.
5. We could see people stirring inside the shop.
6. A good book can stir the imagination.

Origin of STIR

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to STIR

Synonyms

agitate, churn, swirl, wash, whirl

Antonyms

freeze, still

Related Words

beat, paddle, whip, whisk; reel, shake, wheel

Near Antonyms

hang around, remain, stay, stick around, tarry; stabilize

²stir

noun

Definition of STIR

1

a : a state of disturbance, agitation, or brisk activity

b : widespread notice and discussion : impression <the book caused quite a stir>

2

: a slight movement

3

: a stirring movement

First Known Use of STIR

14th century

³stir

noun

Definition of STIR

slang

: prison

Origin of STIR

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1851