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 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, exert4: 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 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 movement5: to be able to be stirred

— stir·rer noun