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stir

 - 5 dictionary results

stir

1  [stur] ,verb, stirred, stir⋅ring, noun
Use stir in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to move one's hand or an implement continuously or repeatedly through (a liquid or other substance) in order to cool, mix, agitate, dissolve, etc., any or all of the component parts: to stir one's coffee with a spoon.
2. to set in tremulous, fluttering, or irregular motion: A soft breeze stirred the leaves.
3. to affect strongly; excite: to stir pity; to stir one's heart.
4. to incite, instigate, or prompt (usually fol. by up): to stir up a people to rebellion.
5. to move briskly; bestir: to stir oneself.
6. to move, esp. in a slight way: He would not stir a finger to help them.
7. to rouse from inactivity, quiet, contentment, indifference, etc. (usually fol. by up): to stir up his potential.
8. to bring up for notice or discussion.
9. to disturb; trouble.
–verb (used without object)
10. to move, esp. slightly or lightly: Not a leaf stirred.
11. to move around, esp. briskly; be active: Everyone in the house was stirring.
12. to become active, as from some rousing or quickening impulse.
13. to be emotionally moved or strongly affected.
14. to be in circulation, current, or afoot: Is there any news stirring?
–noun
15. the act of stirring or moving.
16. the sound made by stirring or moving slightly.
17. a state or occasion of general excitement; commotion: The news created a stir.
18. a mental impulse, sensation, or feeling: a stir of hope.
19. a jog, poke, or thrust: He gave the refuse a stir with his foot.
20. movement, esp. brisk and busy movement: There was too much clamor and stir for her.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME stiren (v.), OE styrian; c. G stören; akin to ON styrr disturbance; see storm

Related forms:
stir⋅ra⋅ble, adjective
stirless, adjective
stir⋅less⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. disturb. 4. rouse, foment, arouse, provoke, stimulate, goad, spur. 17. fuss, pother, agitation, disorder, uproar. See ado. 20. bustle,

Antonyms:
17. quiet.

stir

2  [stur] ,
–noun Slang.
prison.
Origin:
1850–55; argot word of obscure orig; cf. earlier argot start in same sense
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To stir
stir 1   (stûr)   
v.   stirred, stir·ring, stirs

v.   tr.

    1. 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.

    2. To introduce (an ingredient, for example) into a liquid or mixture: stirred a cup of sugar into the cake batter.

    3. To mix together the ingredients of before cooking or use: stirred up some popover batter; stirred the paint.

    4. To rouse, as from indifference, and prompt to action. See Synonyms at provoke.

    5. To provoke deliberately: stirred by trouble.

  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.

    1. To rouse, as from indifference, and prompt to action. See Synonyms at provoke.

    2. To provoke deliberately: stirred by trouble.

  5. To excite strong feelings in.

v.   intr.

  1. To change position slightly: The dog stirred in its sleep.

    1. To move about actively; bestir oneself.

    2. 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).

n.  

  1. A stirring, mixing, or poking movement.

  2. A slight movement.

  3. A disturbance or commotion.

  4. An excited reaction; a ferment.


[Middle English stiren, from Old English styrian, to excite, agitate.]
stir'rer n.
stir 2   (stûr)   
n.   Slang
Prison.

[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

stir

In addition to the idioms beginning with stir, also see cause a commotion (stir).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
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