n.
Pronunciation: ' st ə r
Function: verb
Inflected Form: stirred ; stir · ring
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English styrian; akin to Old High German st ō ren to scatter
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a : to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of b : to disturb the quiet of : AGITATE ― often used with up <the bear stirred up the bees>
2 a : to disturb the relative position of the particles or parts of especially by a continued circular movement < stir the pudding> < stir the fire> ― often used with up < stirred up mud from the lake bottom> b : to mix by or as if by stirring ― often used with in < stir in the spices>
3 : BESTIR , EXERT
4 : to bring into notice or debate : RAISE ― often used with up < stir up sensitive issues>
5 a : to rouse to activity : evoke strong feelings in <music that stir s the emotions> b : to call forth (as a memory) : EVOKE c : PROVOKE < stir a storm of controversy>
intransitive verb
1 a : to make a slight movement <the leaves were barely stirring > b : to begin to move (as in rousing) c : to shift to another location : BUDGE <haven't stirred since I arrived>
2 : to begin to be active <the factory stirred to life>
3 : to be active or busy <not a creature was stirring ― Clement Moore>
4 : to pass an implement through a substance with a circular movement
5 : to be able to be stirred
– stir · rer noun