verb

stir

to stir, to mix, to move

Stir the soup with a spoon.

Stir the soup with a spoon.

He didn't stir in his sleep.

He didn't stir in his sleep.

The story stirred my emotions.

The story stirred my emotions.

((sth.)) to mix a liquid by moving a spoon in it Stir the soup with a spoon.

((no object)) to move slightly He didn't stir in his sleep.

((sth.)) to make somebody feel a strong emotion The story stirred my emotions.

Synonyms: mix, agitate, move, rouse, excite

From Old English 'styrian' meaning 'to move, agitate.'

Imagine using a 'stick' or a 'steer'ing wheel to 'stir' something. The circular motion applies to mixing liquids, moving slightly, or 'stirring up' trouble or emotions.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.