stir 1
— stirrable , adj. — stirless , adj. — stirlessly , adv.
/sterr/ , v. , stirred, stirring , n.
v.t.
1. to move one's hand or an implement continuously or repeatedly through (a liquid or other substance) in order to cool, mix, agitate, dissolve, etc., any or all of the component parts: to stir one's coffee with a spoon.
2. to set in tremulous, fluttering, or irregular motion: A soft breeze stirred the leaves.
3. to affect strongly; excite: to stir pity; to stir one's heart.
4. to incite, instigate, or prompt (usually fol. by up ): to stir up a people to rebellion.
5. to move briskly; bestir: to stir oneself.
6. to move, esp. in a slight way: He would not stir a finger to help them.
7. to rouse from inactivity, quiet, contentment, indifference, etc. (usually fol. by up ): to stir up his potential.
8. to bring up for notice or discussion.
9. to disturb; trouble.
v.i.
10. to move, esp. slightly or lightly: Not a leaf stirred.
11. to move around, esp. briskly; be active: Everyone in the house was stirring.
12. to become active, as from some rousing or quickening impulse.
13. to be emotionally moved or strongly affected.
14. to be in circulation, current, or afoot: Is there any news stirring?
n.
15. the act of stirring or moving.
16. the sound made by stirring or moving slightly.
17. a state or occasion of general excitement; commotion: The news created a stir.
18. a mental impulse, sensation, or feeling: a stir of hope.
19. a jog, poke, or thrust: He gave the refuse a stir with his foot.
20. movement, esp. brisk and busy movement: There was too much clamor and stir for her.
[ bef. 900; ME stiren (v.), OE styrian; c. G stören; akin to ON styrr disturbance; see STORM ]
Syn. 1. disturb. 4. rouse, foment, arouse, provoke, stimulate, goad, spur. 17. fuss, pother, agitation, disorder, uproar. See ado. 20. bustle,
Ant. 17. quiet.
stir 2
/sterr/ , n. Slang.
prison.
[ 1850-55; argot word of obscure orig; cf. earlier argot start in same sense ]