Definition of "agitate" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To disturb or excite; to perturb or stir up (a person).

   • He was greatly agitated by the news.

2. (transitive) To cause to move with a violent, irregular action; to shake.

   • to agitate water in a vessel
   • The wind agitates the sea.

3. To participate in political agitation (sense 3).

4. (transitive, obsolete) To set in motion; to actuate.

5. (transitive, now rare) To discuss or debate.

6. (transitive, now rare) To mull over, or think deeply about; to consider, to devise.

   • Politicians agitate desperate designs.