ag|i|tate

ag|i|tate «AJ uh tayt», verb, -tat|ed, -tat|ing.

–transitive verb.

1. to move or shake vigorously: »

The slightest wind will agitate the leaves of some trees.

2. a) to disturb or excite (a person): »

She was much agitated by the unexpected news of her brother's illness.

b) to disturb or excite (the thoughts or feelings of): »

This had agitated my thoughts for two hours (Daniel Defoe).

SYNONYM(S): perturb, discompose, disquiet.

3. to argue about; discuss vigorously and publicly: »

The antislavery leaders agitated the question of slavery for many years.

4. Archaic. to contemplate.

–intransitive verb.

to keep arguing about and discussing a matter vigorously to arouse public interest and feeling: »

to agitate for a shorter working day.

╂[< Latin agitāre (with English -ate ¹) move to and from < agere drive, move]