# agitate

/ˈædʒəˌteɪt/ (US) · /ˈædʒɪtˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/agitate
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to make someone feel worried, nervous, or upset. It can also mean to shake or stir a liquid quickly.

For teachers: to disturb someone emotionally, causing anxiety or restlessness. Also refers to shaking or stirring liquid vigorously, and to campaigning persistently for political or social change.

## Examples

- Loud noises agitate the baby.
- The constant flight delays started to agitate the passengers waiting at the gate.
- The editorial continued to agitate for electoral reform, arguing that public apathy would only deepen unless citizens demanded transparent counting procedures.

## Synonyms

upset, disturb, distress, worry, shake, Stir, unsettle

## Antonyms

calm, reassure, soothe

## Usage notes

- Transitive when meaning to disturb or shake; takes 'for' or 'against' when meaning to campaign for change.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.