agitate

UK: ˈædʒɪteɪt | US: ˈædʒɪteɪt

Definition

  1. vt. to stir or disturb violently; to upset emotionally

  2. vt. to campaign or advocate for a cause, often publicly

  3. vi. to move restlessly or nervously

Structure
ag <to drive, act>itate <verb-forming suffix>ag <to drive, act>itate <verb-forming suffix>
Etymology

The word agitate originates from Latin agitare ("to set in motion, disturb"), a frequentative form of agere. The core idea of "driving" or "acting" evolved metaphorically to include emotional disturbance (driving someone's feelings) and political campaigning (driving change). The suffix -itate reinforces the sense of repeated or forceful action.

Examples

  1. The washing machine agitates the clothes to remove stains.

  2. His speech agitated the crowd into protest.

  3. She felt agitated after the stressful meeting.

  4. Activists agitated for environmental reforms.

  5. The dog agitated its tail nervously.