The verb “agitate” refers to the act of stirring up emotions, feelings, or a situation, often causing disturbance, excitement, or unease. It can describe actions that provoke strong reactions, whether in an individual or a group. When someone is agitated, they are typically disturbed, upset, or nervous. The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe the process of moving something physically, such as shaking or stirring a liquid, but it is more commonly used to describe emotional or mental unrest.
Example Sentences
- The news of the accident agitated the entire community, leaving everyone in shock.
- His rude remarks agitated the meeting, causing an uncomfortable tension among the team.
- The constant arguing agitated her, making it hard for her to concentrate on her work.
- The protestors agitated the crowd, encouraging them to join in the demonstration.
- The sudden drop in stock prices agitated investors, causing widespread panic in the market.
- The speaker’s passionate tone agitated the audience, stirring up excitement and enthusiasm.
- The noise from the construction site agitated the residents, disturbing their peace.
- Her frantic behavior agitated the children, who became increasingly upset.
- The reporter’s aggressive questioning agitated the politician, making him defensive.
- The unsettling news agitated the staff, who were unsure of what the future would hold.
Synonyms
- Disturb
- Upset
- Rattle
- Aggravate
- Stir
- Trouble
- Unsettle
- Fluster
- Discompose
- Alarm
Antonyms
- Calm
- Soothe
- Settle
- Relax
- Pacify
- Comfort
- Compose
- Reassure
- Steady
- Tranquilize
Related Words
- Disturbance
- Anxiety
- Unease
- Turmoil
- Excitement
- Tension
- Fluster
- Discomfort
- Nervousness
- Disruption
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Stir up: To provoke or excite a reaction, often causing emotional agitation.
- Rattle off: To speak quickly and often carelessly, which can agitate others by surprising or confusing them.
- Set off: To trigger a reaction or event, often agitating a situation or person.
- Get worked up: To become emotionally agitated or upset about something.
- Fire up: To excite or agitate someone, often making them more passionate or intense about an issue.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Rock the boat: To cause disruption or agitation in a stable situation, often leading to discomfort or conflict.
- Stir the pot: To provoke or agitate a group or situation by causing trouble or conflict.
- Get under someone’s skin: To irritate or agitate someone, often causing frustration.
- Raise someone’s hackles: To irritate or anger someone, causing them to become agitated.
- In a state of flux: To be in a condition of constant change or agitation, without stability.
The verb “agitate” focuses on the act of causing emotional or mental disturbance, confusion, or unrest. It can refer to both internal emotional responses and external actions that stir up reactions in others. Synonyms such as “disturb,” “fluster,” and “upset” highlight the idea of causing turmoil or discomfort, while the antonyms emphasize the opposite effect, such as calming or settling a person or situation. The related phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions underscore the disruptive and stirring nature of agitation, whether it’s through physical movement, emotional reactions, or societal disturbances. Whether in a personal or social context, agitation reflects the intensity of disruption or excitement that often leads to confusion or unease.
