stir

I

[[t]stɜr[/t]]

v. stirred, stir•ring, n.

1) to agitate (a liquid or other substance) with a continuous or repeated movement of an implement or one's hand

2) to set in tremulous, fluttering, or irregular motion

3) to affect strongly; excite:

to stir pity[/ex]

4) to incite, instigate, or prompt (usu. fol. by up):

likes to stir up trouble[/ex]

5) to move briskly; bestir:

to stir oneself[/ex]

6) to move, esp. in a slight way:

not stir a finger to help[/ex]

7) to rouse from inactivity, quiet, contentment, indifference, etc. (usu. fol. by up)

8) to move, esp. slightly or lightly

9) to move around, esp. briskly; be active

10) to become active, as from some rousing impulse

11) to be emotionally moved

12) to be in circulation, current, or afoot

13) the act of stirring or moving

14) the sound made by stirring or moving slightly

15) a state or occasion of general excitement; commotion

16) a mental impulse, sensation, or feeling

17) a jog, poke, or thrust

18) movement, esp. brisk and busy movement

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Etymology: bef. 900; ME stiren (v.), OE styrian stir′rer, n. II

stir

[[t]stɜr[/t]] n.

sts sl. prison

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Etymology: 1850–55; of obscure orig.