[stir] vb stirred ; stir.ring [ME, fr. OE styrian; akin to OHG storen to scatter] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to cause an esp. slight movement or change of position of b: to disturb the quiet of: agitate
2. a: to disturb the relative position of the particles or parts of esp. by a continued circular movement b: to mix by or as if by stirring
3: bestir, exert
4: to bring into notice or debate: raise
5. a: to rouse to activity: evoke strong feelings in b: to call forth (as a memory): evoke c: provoke ~ vi 1 a: to make a slight movement b: to begin to move (as in rousing)
2: to begin to be active
3: to be active or busy
4: to pass an implement through a substance with a circular movement
5: to be able to be stirred -- stir.rer n
[2]stir n (14c) 1 a: a state of disturbance, agitation, or brisk activity b: widespread notice and discussion: impression "the book caused quite a ~"
2: a slight movement
3: a stirring movement [3]stir n [origin unknown] (1851) slang: prison