<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to move one's hand or an implement continuously or repeatedly through (a liquid or other substance) in order to cool, mix, agitate, dissolve, etc., any or all of the component parts</li><li>to stir one's coffee with a spoon</li><li>Synonyms: raise, exert, inflame</li><li>to set in tremulous, fluttering, or irregular motion</li><li>A soft breeze stirred the leaves</li><li>to affect strongly; excite</li><li>to stir pity; to stir one's heart</li><li>to incite, instigate, or provoke (usually followed by up): to stir up a people to rebellion</li><li>Synonyms: spur, goad, stimulate, provoke, instigate, incite, arouse, foment, rouse</li><li>to move briskly; bestir</li><li>to stir oneself</li><li>to move, especially in a slight way</li><li>He would not stir a finger to help them</li><li>to rouse from inactivity, quiet, contentment, indifference, etc. (usually followed by up): to stir up his potential</li><li>to bring up for notice or discussion</li><li>Older Use: to disturb; trouble</li><li>A slow wave of remembrance stirred her peace</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the act of stirring or moving</li><li>the sound made by stirring or moving slightly</li><li>a state or occasion of general excitement; commotion: The news created a stir</li><li>Synonyms: bustle, uproar, disorder, agitation, pother, fuss</li><li>Antonyms: quiet</li><li>a mental impulse, sensation, or feeling: a stir of hope</li><li>a jog, poke, or thrust: He gave the refuse a stir with his foot</li><li>movement, especially brisk and busy movement: There was too much clamour and stir for her</li></ul>