Stir \Stir\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stirred; p. pr. & vb. n.
Stirring.]
[OE. stiren, steren, sturen, AS. styrian;
probably akin to D. storen to disturb, G. st["o]ren, OHG.
st[=o]ren to scatter, destroy. [root]166.]
1. To change the place of in any manner; to move.
My foot I had never yet in five days been able to
stir. --Sir W.
Temple.
2. To disturb the relative position of the particles of, as
of a liquid, by passing something through it; to agitate;
as, to stir a pudding with a spoon.
My mind is troubled, like a fountain stirred.
--Shak.
3. To bring into debate; to agitate; to moot.
Stir not questions of jurisdiction. --Bacon.
4. To incite to action; to arouse; to instigate; to prompt;
to excite. ``To stir men to devotion.'' --Chaucer.
An Ate, stirring him to blood and strife. --Shak.
And for her sake some mutiny will stir. --Dryden.
Note: In all senses except the first, stir is often followed
by up with an intensive effect; as, to stir up fire; to
stir up sedition.
Syn: To move; incite; awaken; rouse; animate; stimulate;
excite; provoke.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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