stir

stir ¹

1. a. To pass an implement through (a liquid, for example) in circular motions so as to mix or cool the contents: stirred the soup before tasting it.
   b. To introduce (an ingredient, for example) into a liquid or mixture: stirred a cup of sugar into the cake batter.
   c. To mix together the ingredients of before cooking or use: stirred up some popover batter; stirred the paint.
2. To cause to move or shift, especially slightly or with irregular motion: A breeze stirred the branches.
3. To prod into brisk or vigorous action; bestir: stirred themselves to fix breakfast.
4. a. To rouse, as from indifference, and prompt to action. See Synonyms at provoke.
   b. To provoke deliberately: stirred by trouble.
5. To excite strong feelings in.

1. To change position slightly: The dog stirred in its sleep.
2. a. To move about actively; bestir oneself.
   b. To move away from a customary or usual place or position: instructed the guards not to stir from their posts.
3. To take place; happen.
4. To be capable of being stirred: a mixture that stirs easily.
5. To be roused or affected by strong feelings: “His wrath so stirred within him, that he could have struck him dead” (Charles Dickens).

1. A stirring, mixing, or poking movement.
2. A slight movement.
3. A disturbance or commotion.
4. An excited reaction; a ferment.

Origin: Middle English stiren, from Old English styrian, to excite, agitate.

Related Forms:

• stirrer stirˈrer noun

stir ²

Origin: Origin unknown.