stir

I. verb (stirred; stirring) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English styrian; akin to Old High German stōren to scatter Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. 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) ; evoke c. provoke <

stir a storm of controversy

> intransitive verb 1. 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 • stirrer noun II. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. 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 III. noun Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1851 slang prison