agitating

/ˈædʒ.ɪ.teɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈædʒətˌetɪŋ] /ˈædʒ.ə.teɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈædʒətˌetɪŋ] /ˈa-jə-ˌtāt/ (ame, mw)

agitating — verb

  • agitatingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • agitatings3rd person singular
  • agitatinging-ing form
  • agitatingedpast simple

1. to cause a person to experience nervousness, worry, or anger, especially when a

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to cause a person to experience nervousness, worry, or anger, especially when a difficult topic is repeatedly brought up.

例句

Yuki was agitated by the constant noise from the construction site next door.

passive: be agitated by [something]

Discussions about the budget cuts began to agitate Reuben more than he expected.

agitate + object as direct cause of worry

同義詞
  • upset

    more general and slightly milder; can refer to any emotional disturbance

  • disturb

    focuses on interrupting someone's peace; often less intense than agitate

  • bother

    informal; suggests minor annoyance rather than deep worry

反義詞
  • calm

    to make someone relaxed and peaceful

文法句型

agitate + object

用法筆記

The participle form 'agitated' is very common as an adjective after linking verbs (feel, look, become, seem).

常見錯誤

❌The news agitated me angry.
✅The news agitated me.' or 'The news made me angry.
💡'agitate' already implies an emotional response; do not add a result adjective.
❌I agitated about the exam.
✅I felt agitated about the exam.
💡for personal worry, use the passive or adjectival form, not the active.

2. to campaign or speak out strongly in public for a specific social or political g

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to campaign or speak out strongly in public for a specific social or political goal.

例句

Ava agitated for better street lighting in her neighbourhood after the accident.

agitate + for + noun (goal)

Mateo's uncle spent years agitating against the construction of a new dam.

agitate + against + noun (opposition)

同義詞
  • campaign

    broader and more organised; suggests a sustained effort with a clear plan

  • lobby

    more specific to trying to influence people in power, often through direct meetings

  • push for

    informal; emphasises strong effort rather than public action

反義詞
  • accept

    to agree to a situation without trying to change it

文法句型

agitate + for/against + noun

用法筆記

This sense is intransitive and almost always followed by 'for' (supporting a cause) or 'against' (opposing something). The subject is typically a person or group seeking change.

常見錯誤

❌They agitated the government for change.
✅They agitated for change.' or 'They agitated the government to make changes.
💡'agitate' in this sense is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

3. to move a liquid back and forth inside a container, usually in order to mix its

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to move a liquid back and forth inside a container, usually in order to mix its contents evenly.

例句

Vikram agitated the bottle of salad dressing before pouring it over his meal.

agitate + container holding the liquid

The lab technician agitated the test tube gently to dissolve the powder.

同義詞
  • shake

    everyday word; can apply to any back-and-forth motion, not just liquids

  • stir

    implies a circular motion with a tool; more common in cooking contexts

  • swirl

    suggests a gentle circular motion, often without a tool

反義詞
  • still

    to make something stop moving; to leave undisturbed

文法句型

agitate + object (liquid/container)

常見錯誤

❌I agitated the soup with a spoon.' (when you mean stirring for cooking)
✅I stirred the soup.
💡'agitate' is used for scientific or industrial mixing, not everyday cooking.