Ag·i·tate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Agitated p. pr. & vb. n. Agitating ]
1. To move with a violent, irregular action; as, the wind agitates the sea; to agitate water in a vessel. “Winds . . . agitate the air.”
2. To move or actuate. [R.]
3. To stir up; to disturb or excite; to perturb; as, he was greatly agitated.
The mind of man is agitated by various passions. --Johnson.
4. To discuss with great earnestness; to debate; as, a controversy hotly agitated.
5. To revolve in the mind, or view in all its aspects; to contrive busily; to devise; to plot; as, politicians agitate desperate designs.
Syn: -- To move; shake; excite; rouse; disturb; distract; revolve; discuss; debate; canvass.
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agitating
adj : causing or tending to cause anger or resentment; "a
provoking delay at the airport" [syn: agitative, provoking]