I. ˈstər verb
( stirred ; stir·ring )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English styrian; akin to Old High German stōren 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
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a state of disturbance, agitation, or brisk activity
b. : widespread notice and discussion : impression
the book caused quite a stir
2. : a slight movement
3. : a stirring movement
III. noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1851
slang : prison