Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state of nervous excitement or unrest: A condition of being emotionally stirred up, troubled, or disturbed.
   • The act of stirring or shaking something physically: The action of moving something, especially a liquid, with brisk force.
   • A state of social or political unrest and discussion: Public excitement or disturbance aimed at bringing about change.

Usage and Examples

• Emotional/Mental State:
  • She tried to hide her agitation, but her trembling hands gave her away.
  • The constant bad news caused him great mental agitation.
• Physical Act:
  • The agitation of the mixture is necessary for the chemicals to combine properly.
• Social/Political Context:
  • The new laws led to widespread public agitation.
  • The politician was known for his agitation against the old regime.

Advanced Usage

• "In a state of agitation": To be visibly upset or nervous.
  • He was in a state of agitation before the important meeting.
• "Agitation for/against something": Active campaigning or stirring up public feeling for or against a cause.
  • There was strong agitation for electoral reform.

Variants and Related Words

• Agitate (verb): To stir up or disturb, either physically or emotionally.
  • The storm agitated the sea.
  • His speech was designed to agitate the crowd.
• Agitated (adjective): Feeling or appearing troubled or nervous.
  • She sounded very agitated on the phone.
• Agitator (noun): A person who stirs up public feeling, especially for political change.
  • He was labeled a dangerous political agitator.

Synonyms

• Anxiety: A feeling of worry or unease.
• Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
• Ferment: A state of agitation or turbulent change.
• Unrest: A state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, and agitation, typically involving public protest.

Antonyms

• Calm: The state of being peaceful and untroubled.
• Peace: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
• Serenity: The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To cause agitation": To be the source of nervous excitement or disturbance.
  • The sudden change in plans caused considerable agitation among the team.
• "Political agitation": Organized effort to stir up public feeling to achieve political change.
  • The period was marked by intense political agitation.

Noun

1. the act of agitating something; causing it to move around (usually vigorously)
2. disturbance usually in protest
3. the feeling of being agitated; not calm
4. a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
   • the political ferment produced new leadership
   • social unrest
5. a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance