# stir

/ˈstɝ/ (US) · /stˈɜː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stir
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to mix a liquid

verb · CEFR A2

to move a spoon or stick around in a liquid to mix it.

For teachers: to disturb the relative position of particles in a liquid or substance by moving an implement through it.

- Stir the soup occasionally while it heats up so it does not burn.
- The chef instructed the apprentice to stir the sauce continuously over low heat to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency without any lumps.

### 2. to move slightly

verb · CEFR B1

to start moving slightly after being still or asleep.

For teachers: to begin to move, especially gently, from a stationary or unconscious state.

- The cat did not even stir when I walked into the room.
- Not a single leaf stirred in the heavy, humid air of the forest as the hikers waited for the storm to break.

### 3. to cause a feeling

verb · CEFR B2

to make someone feel a strong emotion like pity or excitement.

For teachers: to affect someone emotionally or to incite a particular feeling or reaction.

- The old photos stirred many happy memories of her childhood.
- The politician's speech was designed to stir nationalistic sentiment among the voters ahead of the upcoming referendum.

### 4. excitement or trouble

noun · CEFR B2

a situation where many people are excited, angry, or talking about something.

For teachers: a state of widespread public excitement, interest, or slight social disturbance.

- The news of the famous actor's arrival caused quite a stir at the airport.
- The publication of the controversial report caused a significant stir in the scientific community, leading to calls for an immediate peer review.

### 5. prison

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Informal

a slang word for prison.

For teachers: a slang term for a prison or jail cell.

- He spent five years in stir before he was finally released.
- After a decade in stir, the former convict found it difficult to adjust to the rapid technological changes of the outside world.

## Examples

- Stir the soup slowly so it does not splash.
- You should stir the sauce constantly over low heat to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- The chef instructed his apprentices to stir the risotto continuously, explaining that the mechanical action was essential for releasing the starches that create a creamy texture.

---

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.