Word
agitation
Phoneticsag·i·ta·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌædʒəˈteɪʃən/
UK/ˌædʒɪtˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a feeling of being very worried, nervous, or upset. It can also mean the act of shaking or stirring something, like a liquid.
n. a state of anxiety or nervous excitement; alternatively, the act of briskly stirring or shaking a liquid. Often describes public protest or political disturbance intended to provoke change.
Examples
“He paced the room in a state of visible agitation.”
“The patient showed signs of severe agitation, repeatedly asking the same questions and refusing to sit down.”
“The political agitation of the late nineteenth century eventually led to significant reforms in labor laws and the establishment of safer working conditions.”
Examples
simple
“He paced the room in a state of visible agitation.”
contextual
“The patient showed signs of severe agitation, repeatedly asking the same questions and refusing to sit down.”
complex
“The political agitation of the late nineteenth century eventually led to significant reforms in labor laws and the establishment of safer working conditions.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to a state of mind; countable when referring to specific instances of physical stirring or political unrest.
Real-World Examples
“Specific behaviors that improved outcomes included giving individuals a voice, separating them from sources of agitation and providing clear explanations.” “They might put you in jail or attack you.' I told her I can't backtrack now because people will mock me."
The cockroach protests were not the first mass agitation Modi's government has faced.” Etymology
From French agitation, from Latin agitātiō (“movement, agitation”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/agitation