ENGLISH
REFERENCE

agitation

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌædʒəˈteɪʃən// UK //ˌædʒɪtˈeɪʃən// ag·i·ta·tion Archaic

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From French agitation, from Latin agitātiō (“movement, agitation”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to a state of mind; countable when referring to specific instances of physical stirring or political unrest.

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