# agitation

/ˌædʒəˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌædʒɪtˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/agitation
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a feeling of being very worried, nervous, or upset. It can also mean the act of shaking or stirring something, like a liquid.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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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.