stir 1  (stûr) 
v.
stirred, stir·ring, stirs
v.
tr.
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. To introduce (an ingredient, for example) into a liquid or mixture: stirred a cup of sugar into the cake batter. To mix together the ingredients of before cooking or use: stirred up some popover batter; stirred the paint. To rouse, as from indifference, and prompt to action. See Synonyms at provoke. To provoke deliberately: stirred by trouble.
To cause to move or shift, especially slightly or with irregular motion: A breeze stirred the branches. To prod into brisk or vigorous action; bestir: stirred themselves to fix breakfast. To rouse, as from indifference, and prompt to action. See Synonyms at provoke. To provoke deliberately: stirred by trouble.
To excite strong feelings in.
v.
intr.
To change position slightly: The dog stirred in its sleep. To move about actively; bestir oneself. To move away from a customary or usual place or position: instructed the guards not to stir from their posts.
To take place; happen. To be capable of being stirred: a mixture that stirs easily. To be roused or affected by strong feelings: "His wrath so stirred within him, that he could have struck him dead" (Charles Dickens).
n. A stirring, mixing, or poking movement. A slight movement. A disturbance or commotion. An excited reaction; a ferment.
[Middle English stiren, from Old English styrian, to excite, agitate.]
stir'rer n. |
ər