stir

verb

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\ ˈstər

stirred; stirring

Definition of stir

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of tied so tightly he could scarcely stir a finger

b : to disturb the quiet of : agitate —often used with upthe bear stirred up the bees

2a : to disturb the relative position of the particles or parts of especially by a continued circular movement stirred the paint with a paddle stir the fire —often used with upstirred up mud from the lake bottom

b : to mix by or as if by stirring stir one's coffee —often used with instir in the spices

3 : bestir, exert

4 : to bring into notice or debate : raise —often used with upstir up sensitive issues

5a : to rouse to activity : evoke strong feelings in music that stirs the emotions

b : to call forth (something, such as a memory) : evoke stir happy remembrances

c : provoke stir a storm of controversy —often used with upstir up trouble

intransitive verb

1a : to make a slight movement The leaves were barely stirring.

b : to begin to move (as in rousing) She heard him stirring in bed.

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 washed the spoon she was stirring with

5 : to be able to be stirred Add water until the mixture stirs easily.

stir

noun (1)

Definition of stir (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : 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

stir

noun (2)

Definition of stir (Entry 3 of 3)

slang

: prison

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“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stir. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for stir

stir

verb

English Language Learners Definition of stir

: to mix (something) by making circular movements in it with a spoon or similar object

: to move or cause (someone or something) to move after being still

: to be active or busy

See the full definition for stir in the English Language Learners Dictionary

stir

verb

\ ˈstər

stirred; stirring

Kids Definition of stir

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to make or cause to make a usually slight movement or change of position She heard the child stir in bed. The breeze stirred the tree's leaves.

2 : to make active A good book can stir the imagination.

3 : to mix, dissolve, or move about by making a circular movement in He stirred sugar into his coffee. Stir the gravy so it doesn't burn.

4 : to cause to arise or take place Don't stir up trouble.

stir

noun

Kids Definition of stir (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a state of upset or activity A stir of excitement swept through the watching animals …— Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill The whole town is in a stir.

2 : a slight movement We heard the stir of leaves in the breeze.

3 : the act of making circular movements in Give the sauce a stir.

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