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Intermediate Dictionary        

ag·i·tate

agitate

 
 
pronunciation:
ae j teIt
features:
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part of speech: verb
inflections: agitates, agitating, agitated
definition 1: to cause to move in a quick, tumbling motion or with force; shake.
A washing machine works by agitating the clothes.The wind blowing through the open window agitated the curtains.
synonyms:
churn, shake
similar words:
convulse, ruffle, toss, vibrate
definition 2: to upset or excite.
The loud noises agitated the horse.
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synonyms:
disturb, excite, fluster, inflame, shake, shock, trouble, upset
antonyms:
calm, lull, soothe, still
similar words:
alarm, bother, distract, jar, provoke, rattle, ruffle, stir, work up
definition 3: to try to stir up public support (often followed by "for" or "against").
The parents are agitating for more teachers and smaller classes.
similar words:
advance, argue for, incite, promote, provoke
derivations: agitated (adj.), agitatedly (adv.)
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