agitate meaning and definition

AGITATE verb

Definition of agitate (verb)

1. try to stir up public opinion
   • synonyms: foment, stir up
2. cause to be agitated, excited, or roused
   • "The speaker charged up the crowd with his inflammatory remarks"
   • synonyms: charge, charge up, commove, excite, rouse, turn on
   • antonym: calm
3. exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for
   • "The liberal party pushed for reforms"; "She is crusading for women's rights"; "The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate"
   • synonyms: campaign, crusade, fight, press, push
4. move very slightly
   • "He shifted in his seat"
   • synonyms: budge, shift, stir
5. move or cause to move back and forth
   • "The chemist shook the flask vigorously"; "My hands were shaking"
   • synonyms: shake
6. change the arrangement or position of
   • synonyms: commove, disturb, raise up, shake up, stir up, vex