agitation
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.
“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.”
Uncountable when referring to a state of mind; countable when referring to specific instances of physical stirring or political unrest.
“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.”
From French agitation, from Latin agitātiō (“movement, agitation”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.