ˌajəˈtāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin agitation-, agitatio, from agitatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. obsolete : the action of moving : motion , activity
by exercise … I understand all … agitation of the body — Francis Fuller
b. : a moving back and forth : shaking , swirling
the agitation of milk can lead to a decrease in its keeping quality
c. : the state or condition of being moved to and fro violently, steadily, or with a fluttering effect
a trifling agitation of the curtains — George Meredith
2. : mental excitement or emotional perturbation : a tremulous and disturbed state
in spite of his agitation his voice was low and quiet — Sherwood Anderson
3. : earnest and thoughtful consideration : discussion , debate
this design was in agitation — Francis Parkman
4. : the persistent and sustained attempt to arouse public feeling or influence public opinion (as by appeals, discussions, or demonstrations)
no sudden revolt, but the culmination of a long agitation for national independence — W.R.Inge
Synonyms: see commotion