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¹stir

verb \ˈstər\

: to mix (something) by making circular movements in it with a spoon or similar object

: to move or cause (someone or something) to move after being still

: to be active or busy

stirredstir·ring

Full Definition of STIR

transitive verb

a : to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of

b : to disturb the quiet of : agitate —often used with up <the bear stirred up the bees>

a : to disturb the relative position of the particles or parts of especially by a continued circular movement <stir the pudding> <stir the fire> —often used with up <stirred up mud from the lake bottom>

b : to mix by or as if by stirring —often used with in <stir in the spices>

: bestir, exert

: to bring into notice or debate : raise —often used with up <stir up sensitive issues>

a : to rouse to activity : evoke strong feelings in <music that stirs the emotions>

b : to call forth (as a memory) : evoke

c : provoke <stir a storm of controversy>

intransitive verb

a : to make a slight movement <the leaves were barely stirring>

b : to begin to move (as in rousing)

c : to shift to another location : budge <haven't stirred since I arrived>

: to begin to be active <the factory stirred to life>

: to be active or busy <not a creature was stirring — Clement Moore>

: to pass an implement through a substance with a circular movement

: to be able to be stirred

— stir·rer noun

See stir defined for English-language learners

See stir defined for kids

Origin of STIR

Middle English, from Old English styrian; akin to Old High German stōren to scatter

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to STIR

Synonyms: agitate, churn, swirl, wash, whirl

Antonyms: freeze, still

²stir

noun

Definition of STIR

a : a state of disturbance, agitation, or brisk activity

b : widespread notice and discussion : impression <the book caused quite a stir>

: a slight movement

: a stirring movement

First Known Use of STIR

14th century

³stir

noun

Definition of STIR

slang

: prison

Origin of STIR

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1851

STIR Defined for Kids

¹stir

verb \ˈstər\

stirredstir·ring

Definition of STIR for Kids

: to make or cause to make a usually slight movement or change of position <She heard the child stir in bed.> <The breeze stirred the tree's leaves.>

: to make active <A good book can stir the imagination.>

: to mix, dissolve, or move about by making a circular movement in <He stirred sugar into his coffee.> <Stir the gravy so it doesn't burn.>

: to cause to arise or take place <Don't stir up trouble.>

²stir

noun

Definition of STIR for Kids

: a state of upset or activity <A stir of excitement swept through the watching animals … — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill> <The whole town is in a stir.>

: a slight movement <We heard the stir of leaves in the breeze.>

: the act of making circular movements in <Give the sauce a stir.>