agitation

noun

ag·​i·​ta·​tion ˌa-jə-ˈtā-shən 

plural agitations

1

: the act or an instance of agitating something : a moving back and forth or with an irregular, rapid, or violent action

In candy making, this agitation usually consists of working the chocolate back and forth on a marble surface with a large scraper.

—Rose Levy Beranbaum

The technology is based on the controlled agitation of concentrated ore particles with precisely determined amounts of acid.

—Corale L. Brierley

2

: a state or feeling of being agitated and restless

nervous agitation

Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like a vice upon my wrist in his agitation.

—Arthur Conan Doyle

She sat some time in a good deal of agitation, listening, trembling, and fearing to be sent for every moment …

—Jane Austen

: a state of excessive psychomotor activity accompanied by increased tension and irritability

… characterized by prominent agitation, irritability, and delusions …

—Oliver Freudenreich et al.

Propranolol and other beta-blockers suppress physical symptoms of agitation and anxiety by slowing down the sympathetic nervous system.

—The Harvard Mental Health Letter

3

: a persistent and sustained attempt to arouse public feeling or influence public opinion (as by appeals, discussions, or demonstrations)

political agitation

… makes it clear that this assertive attitude of black women was essential during the agitation for civil rights.

—Gloria Naylor

agitational

ˌa-jə-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• deliriousness
• delirium
• distraction
• fever
• feverishness
• flap
• frenzy
• furor
• furore
• fury
• hysteria
• rage
• rampage
• uproar

Examples of agitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many poison control calls often involve severe withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, vomiting and diarrhea, because people typically consume higher doses than those prescribed in other countries, according to a 2018 CDC report. —USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

In contrast to previous drugs, which can temporarily improve symptoms of the disease, such as memory loss and agitation, this new treatment addresses the underlying cause of the disease. —Soeren Mattke, Discover Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024

Excited delirium is a four-decade-old diagnostic theory that has been used to explain how a person experiencing severe agitation can suddenly die while being restrained. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2024

Because of this internal agitation, ingredients cooked in a microwave—including a fillet of fish—tend to cook more evenly, more quickly, and more cleanly. —Lucas Sin, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2024

Insomnia, agitation, rapid heartbeat, and stomach issues are potential side effects of Ginseng. 6. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024

Once again working alongside producer-songwriter Dan Nigro, Rodrigo made sure every post-childhood fear, romantic agitation and cynical realization landed with emotional clarity and instrumental force, whether through a thicket of guitar fuzz or beautifully restrained balladry. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 12 Dec. 2023

For example, the researchers stated, doctors may make different assessments of the level of delirium or agitation of a non-English-speaking patient compared to an English-speaking patient. —Emi Tuyetnhi Tran, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024

Lucas, her expression registering rage and despair, unbuttoned her cuffs, removed her tie, unbuttoned her shirt with rising agitation – spat her words, tossed her shirt to the ground, extended her arms wide. —Panchalay Chalermkraivuth, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

agitation

noun

ag·​i·​ta·​tion ˌaj-ə-ˈtā-shən 

: a state of excessive psychomotor activity accompanied by increased tension and irritability

agitated

ˈaj-ə-ˌtāt-əd 

adjective