Stir

(18), v. t. [imp. & p. p. STIRRED; p. pr. & vb. n. STIRRING.] [A-S. styrien, D. storen, O. H. Ger. stōrjan, stōran, N. H. Ger. stören, Sw. störa, Norw. störe.] 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 bring into debate; to agitate. Stir not questions of jurisdiction. Bacon. 3. To incite to action; to instigate; to prompt; to excite. An Ate stirring him to blood and strife. Shak. And for her sake some mutiny will stir. Dryden. To stir up. (a.) To disturb; as, to stir up the sediment of liquor. (b.) To excite thoroughly; to animate; to instigate by inflaming passions; as, to stir up a nation to rebellion. (c.) To put into action; to begin; as, to stir up a mutiny or insurrection; to stir up strife. (d.) To quicken; to enliven; to make more lively or vigorous; as, to stir up the mind. Syn.—To move; incite; awaken; rouse; animate; stimulate; excite; provoke.

v. i. 1. To move one's self; to change one's position; not to be still.

2Sense 2. To be in motion; to be active. All are not fit with them to stir and toil. Byron.

3Sense 3. To become the object of notice or conversation. They fancy they have a right to talk freely upon every thing that stirs or appears. Watts.

4Sense 4. To rise in the morning. [Collog.] Shak.