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stir1 definition

stir (stʉr)

transitive verb stirred, stirring stir′·ring

  1. to move, shake, agitate, etc., esp. slightly
  2. to change the position of slightly; displace to stir a log
  3. to rouse from sleep, lethargy, indifference, etc.
  4. to put (oneself, one's limbs, etc.) into motion or activity, esp. briskly
    1. to move an implement, the hand, etc. through (a liquid or loose substance) with an agitated motion so that the particles change position with relation to one another
    2. to mix by or as by imparting such a motion to
  5. to excite the feelings of; move strongly
  6. to incite or provoke: often with up to stir up trouble
  7. to evoke, or call up to stir memories

Etymology: ME stirien < OE styrian: see storm

intransitive verb

  1. to move or change position, esp. only slightly not a leaf stirred
  2. to be up and about; be busy and active
  3. to be taking place, going on, happening, etc.
  4. to begin to show signs of activity; begin to come to life
  5. to impart an agitated motion to a liquid, mixture, etc. as with a spoon
  6. to be stirred a mixture that stirs easily

noun

  1. the act, an instance, or the sound of stirring
  2. movement; activity; agitation
  3. a state of excitement; commotion; tumult

Related Forms:

stir2 definition

stir (stʉr)

noun

Slang a prison

Etymology: 19th-c. thieves' slang, prob. contr. < Romany steripen

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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