agitate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
agitate Word Meanings
- feeling anxious or disturbed
- being in a state of excitement or unrest
- causing to become troubled or restless
agitate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
agitate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈædʒ.ɪ.teɪt/
US
/ˈædʒ.ɪ.teɪt/
agitate Word Etymology
Root: 'agitate' from Latin 'agitare' (to set in motion) + suffix '-ed'. Historical: Originates from Latin, through Old French before entering English. Memory image: Imagine a person shaking a snow globe, causing the glitter inside to swirl—this is like the feeling of being agitated, with emotions swirling chaotically.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Agitate is a verb that means to cause someone to feel troubled, anxious, or unsettled; it can describe stirring up emotions in a person, or provoking unrest in a group, and it also can mean to shake or mix a substance physically. The nuance is active and sometimes confrontational, as when a speech agitated the crowd or a rumor agitated public opinion. The word derives from Latin agitare via Old French, and, in memory, picture a snow globe being shaken so the glitter swirls chaotically. Common collocations include agitate nerves, agitate for change, and agitate public opinion.
Usage Reminders
- Use agitate for active emotional stirring; avoid with passive states.
- Pair with nouns like nerves or public opinion.
- Not every disturbance equals agitation; context matters.
- Remember both senses: emotional stirring and physical shaking.
- Watch for formal versus informal tone in each context.
Common Misconceptions
- Agitate always means physically shaking something.
- Agitate is the same as activate or motivate.
- If someone is agitated, it’s always voluntary.
- Agitate cannot be used with abstract nouns like opinions.
- Agitate and irritate have identical meanings.
Thinking Differences
In English, agitate often implies active stirring of emotion or unrest; learners may mistake it for neutral verbs like activate or motivate, or assume it only means irritation when used with people. It covers both provoking minds and physically shaking, so context matters. Be mindful of tone: agitate can be critical or negative when describing deliberate manipulation.
Learning Tips
- Practice collocations: agitate nerves, agitate for change, agitate public opinion.
- Differentiate agitation (emotional) from agitation (physical).
- Note connotations: agitation can be neutral, positive, or negative depending on context.
- Use in both active and passive forms: 'is agitating' vs 'is agitated'.
- Study subtlety with synonyms like provoke, stimulate, disturb, and stir.
- Create context-rich sentences to avoid implying harmless action.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'agitate'?
A.To calm a situation down
B.To excite or disturb someone
C.To clean something thoroughly
D.To ignore important issues
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'agitate' in a sentence.
A.The activist aimed to agitate the community for change.
B.The children agitate before bedtime every night.
C.She tried to agitate the crowd to leave peacefully.
D.He decided to agitate his thoughts rather than organize them.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym for 'agitate'?
A.Disturb
B.Calm
C.Consolate
D.Ignore
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'agitate'?
A.Provoking
B.Soothing
C.Disrupting
D.Encouraging
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might want to agitate others?
A.During a peaceful protest, people can express their dissatisfaction with authorities.
B.A parent encourages their child to relax and focus on studies.
C.While discussing reforms, a speaker gets passionate and stirs up the crowd.
D.In a gathering, a person dismisses others' concerns humorously.
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