Etymology: Middle English, from Old English styrian; akin to Old High German stōren to scatter
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb1 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) :evokec:provoke<stir a storm of controversy>intransitive verb1 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