agitate

/ˈædʒɪteɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈædʒɪteɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈa-jə-ˌtāt/ (ame, mw)

agitate — verb

  • agitatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • agitateshe / she / it
  • agitatedpast simple
  • agitating-ing form

1. to leave a person feeling uneasy, irritated, or emotionally unsettled.

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to leave a person feeling uneasy, irritated, or emotionally unsettled.

例句

The report about school cuts agitated many parents at the meeting.

news report + agitate + group

Seeing smoke outside agitated Tunde before the children came downstairs.

sudden danger + agitate + named person

同義詞
  • disturb

    broader and often milder; can describe mental or emotional upset

  • upset

    more everyday and slightly less formal

  • unsettle

    focuses on making someone feel unsure or uneasy

  • irritate

    emphasizes annoyance more than worry

反義詞
  • calm

    suggests reducing worry or anger

  • soothe

    emphasizes easing upset feelings gently

文法句型

agitate + person/group

event/news + agitate + person/group

用法筆記

Often used when upsetting news, unfair treatment, or confusion disturbs people's feelings. It is more formal and usually stronger than upset, often suggesting visible tension or irritation.

常見錯誤

❌The speech agitated the voters to support the mayor.
✅The speech stirred the voters to support the mayor.
💡In this sense, agitate means make people tense or upset, not persuade them to take action.

2. to campaign loudly and persistently for a social or political change in public.

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to campaign loudly and persistently for a social or political change in public.

例句

University students agitated for lower fees outside the city hall.

agitate for + public demand

For months, Aarav agitated against the factory plan in local meetings.

agitate against + proposal

同義詞
  • campaign

    more common and less formal for organized public action

  • advocate

    focuses on speaking in support, often in a calmer tone

  • lobby

    often suggests trying to influence officials directly

文法句型

agitate for + reform/change

agitate against + plan/policy

用法筆記

Usually followed by for or against plus the cause. It most often describes organized public pressure by students, unions, writers, or campaigners rather than a private request to one person.

常見錯誤

❌I agitated my teacher for more homework.
✅I pressed my teacher for more homework.
💡This sense is about public campaigning for change, not a direct personal request.

3. to move a liquid around quickly so its parts mix together instead of settling ap

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to move a liquid around quickly so its parts mix together instead of settling apart.

例句

Anong agitated the paint jar before brushing the first wall.

agitate + container before use

The nurse agitated the medicine bottle so the powder mixed evenly.

agitate + bottle for even mixture

同義詞
  • shake

    more general and much more common in everyday language

  • stir

    usually means mixing with a spoon or similar tool

  • swirl

    suggests a circular movement rather than stronger shaking

反義詞
  • let settle

    means leaving the liquid still so heavier parts sink

文法句型

agitate + bottle/mixture/liquid

agitate + object + before use

用法筆記

Common in technical or instructional writing about paint, medicine, chemicals, or food mixtures. The object is usually the liquid itself or its container, and the goal is to mix parts that have separated.

常見錯誤

❌Please agitate the tea with this spoon.
✅Please stir the tea with this spoon.
💡Use stir for mixing a drink by hand with a spoon; agitate usually suggests shaking or mechanical movement.