Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense stirs, present participle stirring, past tense, past participle stirred
1. verb
If you stir a liquid or other substance, you move it around or mix it in a container using something such as a spoon.
Stir the soup for a few seconds. [VERB noun]
There was Mrs Bellingham, stirring sugar into her tea. [VERB noun + into]
You don't add the peanut butter until after you've stirred in the honey. [V n with in]
Synonyms: mix, blend, whisk, beat More Synonyms of stir
2. verb
If you stir, you move slightly, for example because you are uncomfortable or beginning to wake up.
[written]
Eileen shook him, and he started to stir. [VERB]
The two women lay on their backs, not stirring. [VERB]
Synonyms: move, change position More Synonyms of stir
3. verb
If you do not stirfrom a place, you do not move from it.
[written]
She had not stirred from the house that evening. [VERB + from]
There's something you could study without stirring from this room. [VERBfrom noun]
4. verb
If something stirs or if the wind stirs it, it moves gently in the wind.
[written]
Palm trees stir in the soft Pacific breeze. [VERB]
Not a breath of fresh air stirred the long white curtains. [VERB noun]
5. verb
If you stiryourself, or if something stirs you into action, you move in order to start doing something.
Stir yourself! We've got a visitor. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
You can't even stir yourself to have a drink with them. [VERB pronoun-reflexive to-infinitive]
The sight of them stirred him into action. [VERB noun preposition]
Synonyms: spur, drive, prompt, stimulate More Synonyms of stir
6. verb
If something stirs you, it makes you react with a strong emotion.
[written]
The voice, less coarse now, stirred her as it had then. [VERB noun]
I was intrigued by him, stirred by his intellect. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: stimulate, move, excite, fire More Synonyms of stir
7. verb
If a particular memory, feeling, or mood stirs or is stirredin you, you begin to think about it or feel it.
[written]
Then a memory stirs in you and you start feeling anxious. [VERB + in]
Amy remembered the anger he had stirred in her. [VERB noun + in]
Deep inside the awareness was stirring that something was about to happen. [VERB]
8. singular noun
If an event causes a stir, it causes great excitement, shock, or anger among people.
His film has caused a stir in America.
Synonyms: commotion, to-do, excitement, sensation More Synonyms of stir
9. See also stirring
10.
See shaken but not stirred
Phrasal verbs:
See stir up
More Synonyms of stir
stir in British English1
(stɜː)
verbWord forms: stirs, stirring or stirred
1.
to move an implement such as a spoon around in (a liquid) so as to mix up the constituents
she stirred the porridge
2.
to change or cause to change position; disturb or be disturbed
he stirred in his sleep
3. (intransitive; often foll byfrom)
to venture or depart (from one's usual or preferred place)
he won't stir from the fireside
4. (intransitive)
to be active after a rest; be up and about
5. (transitive)
to excite or stimulate, esp emotionally
6.
to move (oneself) briskly or vigorously; exert (oneself)
7. (transitive)
to rouse or awaken
to stir someone from sleep
to stir memories
8. informal(whentr, foll by up)
to cause or incite others to cause (trouble, arguments, etc)
9. stir one's stumps
noun
10.
the act or an instance of stirring or the state of being stirred
11.
a strong reaction, esp of excitement
his publication caused a stir
12.
a slight movement
13. New Zealand informal
a noisy party
Derived forms
stirrable (ˈstirrable)
adjective
Word origin
Old English styrian; related to Middle High German stürn to poke, stir, Norwegian styrja to cause a commotion; see storm, sturgeon
stir in British English2
(stɜː)
noun
a slang word for prison
in stir
Word origin
C19: perhaps from Romany stariben prison
Stir. in British English
abbreviation for
Stirlingshire
Stirlingshire in British English
(ˈstɜːlɪŋˌʃɪə, -ʃə)
noun
a former county of central Scotland: mostly became part of Central Region in 1975: now covered by the council areas of Stirling, Falkirk, and East Dunbartonshire
stir in American English1
(stɜr)
verb transitiveWord forms: stirred or ˈstirring
1.
to move, shake, agitate, etc., esp. slightly
2.
to change the position of slightly; displace
to stir a log
3.
to rouse from sleep, lethargy, indifference, etc.
4.
to put (oneself, one's limbs, etc.) into motion or activity, esp. briskly
5.
a.
to move an implement, the hand, etc. through (a liquid or loose substance) with an agitated motion so that the particles change position with relation to one another
b.
to mix by or as by imparting such a motion to
6.
to excite the feelings of; move strongly
7.
to incite or provoke
often with up
to stir up trouble
8.
to evoke, or call up
to stir memories
verb intransitive
9.
to move or change position, esp. only slightly
not a leaf stirred
10.
to be up and about; be busy and active
11.
to be taking place, going on, happening, etc.
12.
to begin to show signs of activity; begin to come to life
13.
to impart an agitated motion to a liquid, mixture, etc. as with a spoon
14.
to be stirred
a mixture that stirs easily
noun
15.
the act, an instance, or the sound of stirring
16.
movement; activity; agitation
17.
a state of excitement; commotion; tumult
SYNONYMY NOTE: stir1 (in this sense, often stir up) implies a bringing into action or activity by exciting or provoking [the colonies were stirred to rebellion]; arouse, rouse1 are often used interchangeably, but , arouse usually implies merely a bringing into consciousness, as from a state of sleep [she was aroused by the bell], and rouse1 suggests an additional incitement to vigorous action [the rifle shot roused the sleeping guard]; awaken, waken literally mean to arouse from sleep, but figuratively they suggest the elicitationof latent faculties, emotions, etc. [it awakened, or wakened, her maternal feelings]; rally1 implies a gathering of the component elements or individuals so as to stir to effectiveaction [to rally troops, one's energy, etc.]
Not he who feels the life of his people stirring within his own.
George Eliot Daniel Deronda (1876)
Something is stirring on the south coast.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Today that stirs angers in us that we still barely understand and still struggle to discuss rationally.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He also advised people not to sweep up ash leaves to avoid stirring up fungus spores.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The stirring drums give that song a rock undercurrent.
The Sun (2010)
Sift dry ingredients into carrot mix and stir.
The Sun (2016)
His job was to awaken it by stirring memory.
Christianity Today (2000)
You cannot get around the stirring of risotto.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for a couple of minutes.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Stir in the lobster meat and heat through for another minute.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Keep cooking and stirring for about another minute until the prawns are opaque and cooked through.
The Sun (2013)
Turn up heat and stir as liquid reduces.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Those with the clout to do something about it are stirring into action.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Stir the cold dissolved gelatine into the fromage blanc and cream.
Conil, Jean & Conil, Christopher (ed) A Passion for Food (1989)
The wind was stirring in the bare branches of the lime trees outside.
John Cornwell Seminary Boy (2006)
Realising an ex has moved on stirs up at least a bit of jealousy in most of us.
The Sun (2015)
The whole thing about being an adult is doing things to stir young people to get them interested.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Its discovery caused an immense stir.
Francis Pryor BRITAIN BC: Life In Britain and Ireland before the Romans (2003)
Heat the butter in a frying pan and gently soften the onion, stirring often.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
She shivered slightly as a cool breeze stirred beneath her cloak and he hugged her close against his side to share his warmth.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss THE WOLF AND THE DOVE
Fry in the oil with the bay leaves and thyme, stirring often.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
As well as extending the run of the blind auditions, coaches can now steal each other's acts in a move designed to stir up trouble.
The Sun (2013)
In other languages
stir
British English: stir /stɜː/ VERB
When you stir a liquid, you mix it inside a container using something such as a spoon.
Stir the soup for a few seconds.
American English: stir
Arabic: يُقَلِّبُ
Brazilian Portuguese: mexer
Chinese: 搅动
Croatian: miješati
Czech: míchat
Danish: røre i
Dutch: roeren
European Spanish: remover
Finnish: hämmentää
French: remuer
German: umrühren
Greek: αναδεύω
Italian: mescolare
Japanese: かき混ぜる
Korean: (...을) 휘젓다
Norwegian: røre
Polish: zamieszać
European Portuguese: mexer
Romanian: a amesteca
Russian: мешать
Latin American Spanish: remover
Swedish: röra röra run
Thai: คน
Turkish: karıştırmak çorba vb
Ukrainian: помішувати
Vietnamese: khuấy
British English: stir NOUN
If an event causes a stir, it causes great excitement, shock, or anger among people.
His film has caused a stir.
American English: stir
Brazilian Portuguese: rebuliço
Chinese: 轰动
European Spanish: conmoción
French: émoi
German: Aufsehen
Italian: clamore
Japanese: 騒ぎ
Korean: 소동
European Portuguese: rebuliço
Latin American Spanish: conmoción
All related terms of 'stir'
stir up
If something stirs up dust or stirs up mud in water, it causes it to rise up and move around.
shit-stir
to make trouble
stir-fry
If you stir-fry vegetables, meat, or fish , you cook small pieces of them quickly by stirring them in a small quantity of very hot oil . This method is often used in Chinese cookery .
stir-crazy
mentally disturbed as a result of being in prison or otherwise confined
stir-fried
to cook (small pieces of meat , vegetables , etc) rapidly by stirring them in a wok or frying pan over a high heat : used esp for Chinese food
stir-fries
to cook (small pieces of meat, vegetables , etc) rapidly by stirring them in a wok or frying pan over a high heat: used esp for Chinese food
stir emotions
An emotion is a feeling such as happiness, love, fear , anger , or hatred , which can be caused by the situation that you are in or the people you are with.
stir memories
A memory is something that you remember from the past .
stir one's stumps
to move or become active
stir up trouble
You can refer to problems or difficulties as trouble .
stir the imagination
Your imagination is the part of your mind which allows you to form pictures or ideas of things that do not necessarily exist in real life.
stir up a hornet's nest
to do something which causes a lot of controversy or produces a situation which is extremely difficult to deal with
Chinese translation of 'stir'
stir
(stəːʳ)
n(s)
(= fuss) 轰(轟)动(動) (hōngdòng)
vt
[tea, sauce etc]搅(攪)动(動) (jiǎodòng)
(= move)
[person]打动(動) (dǎdòng)
[emotion]激起 (jīqǐ)
vi
(= move slightly)
[leaves etc]微动(動) (wēidòng)
[person]挪动(動) (nuódòng)
to give sth a stir搅(攪)动(動)某物 (jiǎodòng mǒuwù)
1 (verb)
Definition
to mix up (a liquid) by moving a spoon or stick around in it
Stir the soup for a few seconds.
Synonyms
mix
Oil and water don't mix.
Mix the cinnamon with the sugar.
blend
Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth cream.
whisk
Whisk together the sugar and the egg yolks.
beat
Beat the eggs and sugar until they start to thicken.
agitate
Gently agitate the water with a paintbrush.
2 (verb)
Definition
to move slightly
The two women lay on their backs, not stirring.
Synonyms
move
She waited for him to get up, but he didn't move.
change position
3 (verb)
The long white curtains stirred in the breeze.
Synonyms
flutter
a butterfly fluttering its wings
tremble
He began to tremble all over.
quiver
His bottom lip quivered and big tears rolled down his cheeks.
shake
I stood there, crying and shaking with fear.
rustle
4 (verb)
Definition
to move (oneself) quickly or vigorously
Stir yourself! We've got a visitor.
Synonyms
get moving
move
Industrialists must move fast to take advantage of this opportunity.
get a move on (informal)
I'd better get a move on if I want to finish on time.
hasten
budge
I pulled and pulled but I couldn't budge it.
make an effort
be up and about (informal)
look lively (informal)
shake a leg (informal)
Come on, shake a leg! We've got loads to do today.
exert yourself
bestir yourself
5 (verb)
Definition
to excite or move (someone) emotionally
I was intrigued by him, stirred by his intellect.
Synonyms
stimulate
move
The hearings moved me to come up with these suggestions.
excite
a thought which excites my fancy
fire
They were fired with an enthusiasm for public speaking.
raise
touch
affect
urge
inspire
What inspired you to change your name?
prompt
spur
thrill
The electric atmosphere both thrilled and terrified him.
provoke
arouse
His work has aroused intense interest.
awaken
animate
rouse
He did more to rouse the crowd than anybody else.
prod
quicken
Thank you for quickening my spiritual understanding.
inflame
They hold the rebels responsible for inflaming the villagers.
incite
instigate
The violence was instigated by ex-members of the secret police.
electrify
The spectators were electrified by his courage.
kindle
Opposites
curb
,
restrain
,
inhibit
,
check
,
suppress
,
stifle
,
dampen
,
throw cold water on (informal)
6 (verb)
The sight of them stirred him into action.
Synonyms
spur
His friend's plight had spurred him into taking part.
drive
Curiosity drove me to probe into what they worked on together.
prompt
The recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars.
stimulate
I was stimulated to examine my deepest thoughts.
prod
a tactic to prod the government into spending more on education
press
urge
They urged parliament to approve plans for their reform programme.
animate
There was little about the game to animate the crowd.
prick
incite
He incited his fellow citizens to take revenge.
goad
He goaded me into taking direct action.
impel
I felt impelled to go on speaking.
7 (verb)
Beneath my antipathy, a powerful curiosity was stirred.
Synonyms
awaken
activate
video cameras that can be activated by computer
animate
stir up
fan
economic problems which often fan hatred
excite
I only take on work that excites me.
stimulate
provoke
His comments have provoked a shocked reaction.
kick-start (informal)
He has chosen to kick-start the economy by slashing interest rates.
kindle
These poems have helped kindle the imagination of generations of children.
call forth
disturb
(noun)
Definition
a strong reaction, usually of excitement
His film has caused a stir in America.
Synonyms
commotion
He heard a terrible commotion outside.
to-do
Just like him to make such a to-do about it.
excitement
The audience was in a state of great excitement.
sensation
She caused a sensation at the Montreal Olympics.
activity
There is an extraordinary level of activity in the market.
movement
There was movement behind the door.
disorder
He called on the authorities to stop public disorder.
fuss
I don't know what all the fuss is about.
disturbance
During the disturbance, three men were hurt.
bustle
the hustle and bustle of modern life
flurry
There was a flurry of excitement.
uproar
The announcement caused uproar in the crowd.
ferment
The country is in a state of political ferment.
agitation
He was in a state of emotional agitation.
ado
And now, without further ado, let me introduce our benefactor.
tumult
the recent tumult in global financial markets
phrasal verb
See stir something up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of activate
Definition
to make something active
video cameras that can be activated by computer
Synonyms
start,
move,
trigger (off),
stimulate,
turn on,
set off,
initiate,
switch on,
propel,
rouse,
prod,
get going,
mobilize,
kick-start (informal),
set in motion,
impel,
galvanize,
set going,
actuate,
prompt,
stir,
motivate,
arouse,
animate,
energize
in the sense of activity
Definition
the state of being active
There is an extraordinary level of activity in the market.
Synonyms
action,
work,
life,
labour,
movement,
energy,
exercise,
spirit,
enterprise,
motion,
bustle,
animation,
vigour,
hustle,
exertion,
hurly-burly,
liveliness,
activeness,
stir
in the sense of ado
Definition
fuss
And now, without further ado, let me introduce our benefactor.
Synonyms
fuss,
to-do,
trouble,
delay,
bother,
stir,
confusion,
excitement,
disturbance,
bustle,
flurry,
agitation,
commotion,
pother (literary)
Synonyms of 'stir'
stir
Explore 'stir' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of agitate
Definition
to shake or stir (a liquid)
Gently agitate the water with a paintbrush.
Synonyms
stir,
beat,
mix,
shake,
disturb,
toss,
rouse,
churn
in the sense of agitation
He was in a state of emotional agitation.
Synonyms
turmoil,
worry,
trouble,
upset,
alarm,
confusion,
excitement,
disturbance,
distraction,
upheaval,
stimulation,
flurry,
outcry,
clamour,
arousal,
ferment,
disquiet,
commotion,
fluster,
lather (informal),
incitement,
tumult,
discomposure,
tizzy, tizz or tiz-woz (informal)
in the sense of animate
Definition
to make lively
There was little about the game to animate the crowd.
Synonyms
enliven,
encourage,
excite,
urge,
inspire,
stir,
spark,
move,
fire,
spur,
stimulate,
revive,
activate,
rouse,
prod,
quicken,
incite,
instigate,
kick-start (informal),
impel,
energize,
kindle,
embolden,
liven up,
breathe life into,
invigorate,
gladden,
gee up,
vitalize,
vivify,
inspirit
in the sense of arouse
Definition
to produce (a reaction, emotion, or response)
His work has aroused intense interest.
Synonyms
stimulate,
encourage,
inspire,
prompt,
spark,
spur,
foster,
provoke,
rouse,
stir up,
inflame,
incite,
instigate,
whip up,
summon up,
whet,
kindle,
foment,
call forth
in the sense of beat
Definition
to stir or whisk vigorously
Beat the eggs and sugar until they start to thicken.
Synonyms
whisk,
mix,
stir,
fold,
whip,
blend,
fluff up
in the sense of blend
Definition
to mix or mingle (components)
Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth cream.
Synonyms
mix,
join,
combine,
compound,
incorporate,
merge,
put together,
fuse,
unite,
mingle,
alloy,
synthesize,
amalgamate,
interweave,
coalesce,
intermingle,
meld,
intermix,
commingle,
commix
in the sense of budge
Definition
to move slightly
I pulled and pulled but I couldn't budge it.
Synonyms
dislodge,
move,
push,
roll,
remove,
transfer,
shift,
slide,
stir,
propel
in the sense of bustle
Definition
energetic and noisy activity
the hustle and bustle of modern life
Synonyms
activity,
to-do,
stir,
excitement,
hurry,
fuss,
flurry,
haste,
agitation,
commotion,
ado,
tumult,
hurly-burly,
pother (literary)
in the sense of disorder
Definition
public violence or rioting
He called on the authorities to stop public disorder.
Synonyms
disturbance,
fight,
riot,
turmoil,
unrest,
quarrel,
upheaval,
brawl,
clamour,
uproar,
turbulence,
fracas,
commotion,
rumpus,
tumult,
hubbub,
shindig (informal),
hullabaloo,
scrimmage,
unruliness,
shindy (informal),
bagarre,
biffo (Australian, slang)
in the sense of disturbance
Definition
an unruly outburst in public
During the disturbance, three men were hurt.
Synonyms
disorder,
bother (informal),
turmoil,
riot,
upheaval,
fray,
brawl,
uproar,
agitation,
fracas,
commotion,
rumpus,
tumult,
hubbub,
shindig (informal),
ruction (informal),
ruckus (informal),
shindy (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of drive
Definition
to goad into a specified state
Curiosity drove me to probe into what they worked on together.
Synonyms
force,
press,
prompt,
spur,
compel,
motivate,
oblige,
railroad (informal),
prod,
constrain,
prick,
coerce,
goad,
impel,
dragoon,
actuate
in the sense of electrify
Definition
to startle or excite intensely
The spectators were electrified by his courage.
Synonyms
thrill,
shock,
excite,
amaze,
stir,
stimulate,
astonish,
startle,
arouse,
animate,
rouse,
astound,
jolt,
fire,
galvanize,
take your breath away
in the sense of excite
Definition
to arouse sexually
a thought which excites my fancy
Synonyms
titillate,
thrill,
stimulate,
turn on (slang),
arouse,
get going (informal),
electrify
in the sense of excite
Definition
to make (a person) feel so happy that he or she is unable to relax because he or she is looking forward eagerly to something
I only take on work that excites me.
Synonyms
thrill,
inspire,
stir,
stimulate,
provoke,
awaken,
animate,
move,
fire,
rouse,
exhilarate,
agitate,
quicken,
inflame,
enliven,
galvanize,
foment
in the sense of excitement
Definition
the state of being excited
The audience was in a state of great excitement.
Synonyms
exhilaration,
action,
activity,
passion,
heat,
thrill,
adventure,
enthusiasm,
fever,
warmth,
flurry,
animation,
furore,
ferment,
agitation,
commotion,
elation,
ado,
tumult,
perturbation,
discomposure
in the sense of fan
economic problems which often fan hatred
Synonyms
stimulate,
increase,
excite,
provoke,
arouse,
rouse,
stir up,
work up,
agitate,
whip up,
add fuel to the flames,
impassion,
enkindle
in the sense of ferment
Definition
excitement and unrest caused by change or uncertainty
The country is in a state of political ferment.
Synonyms
commotion,
turmoil,
unrest,
turbulence,
trouble,
heat,
excitement,
glow,
fever,
disruption,
frenzy,
stew,
furore,
uproar,
agitation,
tumult,
hubbub,
brouhaha,
imbroglio,
state of unrest
in the sense of fire
Definition
to arouse to strong emotion
They were fired with an enthusiasm for public speaking.
Synonyms
inspire,
excite,
stir,
stimulate,
motivate,
irritate,
arouse,
awaken,
animate,
rouse,
stir up,
quicken,
inflame,
incite,
electrify,
enliven,
spur on,
galvanize,
inspirit,
impassion
in the sense of flurry
Definition
a short rush of vigorous activity or movement
There was a flurry of excitement.
Synonyms
commotion,
stir,
bustle,
flutter,
to-do,
excitement,
hurry,
fuss,
disturbance,
flap (informal),
whirl,
furore,
ferment,
agitation,
fluster,
ado,
tumult
in the sense of fuss
Definition
to worry unnecessarily
I don't know what all the fuss is about.
Synonyms
commotion,
to-do,
worry,
upset,
bother,
stir,
confusion,
excitement,
hurry,
flap (informal),
bustle,
flutter,
flurry,
agitation,
fidget,
fluster,
ado,
hue and cry,
palaver,
storm in a teacup (British),
pother
Additional synonyms
in the sense of get a move on
Definition
to hurry up
I'd better get a move on if I want to finish on time.
Synonyms
speed up,
hurry (up),
get going,
get moving,
get cracking (informal),
step on it (informal),
make haste,
shake a leg (informal),
get your skates on (informal),
stir yourself
in the sense of goad
He goaded me into taking direct action.
Synonyms
urge,
drive,
prompt,
spur,
stimulate,
provoke,
arouse,
propel,
prod,
prick,
incite,
instigate,
egg on,
exhort (formal),
impel
in the sense of impel
Definition
to urge or force (a person) to do something
I felt impelled to go on speaking.
Synonyms
force,
move,
compel,
drive,
require,
push,
influence,
urge,
inspire,
prompt,
spur,
stimulate,
motivate,
oblige,
induce,
prod,
constrain,
incite,
instigate,
goad,
actuate
in the sense of incite
Definition
to stir up or provoke to action
He incited his fellow citizens to take revenge.
Synonyms
provoke,
encourage,
drive,
excite,
prompt,
urge,
spur,
stimulate,
set on,
animate,
rouse,
prod,
stir up,
inflame,
instigate,
whip up,
egg on,
goad,
impel,
foment,
put up to,
agitate for or against
in the sense of inflame
Definition
to make angry or excited
They hold the rebels responsible for inflaming the villagers.
Synonyms
enrage,
stimulate,
provoke,
fire,
heat,
excite,
anger,
arouse,
rouse,
infuriate,
ignite,
incense,
madden,
agitate,
kindle,
rile,
foment,
intoxicate,
make your blood boil,
impassion
in the sense of inspire
Definition
to stimulate (a person) to activity or creativity
What inspired you to change your name?
Synonyms
motivate,
move,
cause,
stimulate,
encourage,
influence,
persuade,
spur,
be responsible for,
animate,
rouse,
instil,
infuse,
hearten,
enliven,
imbue,
spark off,
energize,
galvanize,
gee up,
inspirit,
fire or touch the imagination of
in the sense of instigate
Definition
to cause to happen
The violence was instigated by ex-members of the secret police.
Synonyms
provoke,
start,
encourage,
move,
influence,
prompt,
trigger,
spur,
stimulate,
set off,
initiate,
bring about,
rouse,
prod,
stir up,
get going,
incite,
kick-start,
whip up,
impel,
kindle,
foment,
actuate
in the sense of kick-start
Definition
to do something bold or drastic in order to begin or improve the performance of something
He has chosen to kick-start the economy by slashing interest rates.
Synonyms
stimulate,
encourage,
prompt,
spur,
provoke,
arouse,
rouse,
quicken,
incite,
gee up,
get something going
in the sense of kindle
Definition
to arouse or be aroused
These poems have helped kindle the imagination of generations of children.
Synonyms
arouse,
excite,
inspire,
stir,
thrill,
stimulate,
provoke,
induce,
awaken,
animate,
rouse,
sharpen,
inflame,
incite,
foment,
bestir,
enkindle
in the sense of movement
Definition
the act, process, or an instance of moving
There was movement behind the door.
Synonyms
activity,
moving,
stirring,
bustle,
agitation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of prod
Definition
to rouse (someone) to action
a tactic to prod the government into spending more on education
Synonyms
prompt,
move,
urge,
motivate,
spur,
stimulate,
rouse,
stir up,
incite,
egg on,
goad,
impel,
put a bomb under (informal)
in the sense of prompt
Definition
to motivate or cause someone to do something
The recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars.
Synonyms
cause,
move,
inspire,
stimulate,
occasion (formal),
urge,
spur,
provoke,
motivate,
induce,
evoke,
give rise to,
elicit,
incite,
instigate,
impel,
call forth
in the sense of provoke
Definition
to bring about
His comments have provoked a shocked reaction.
Synonyms
rouse,
cause,
produce,
lead to,
move,
fire,
promote,
occasion (formal),
excite,
inspire,
generate,
prompt,
stir,
stimulate,
motivate,
induce,
bring about,
evoke,
give rise to,
precipitate,
elicit,
inflame,
incite,
instigate,
kindle,
foment,
call forth,
draw forth,
bring on or down
in the sense of quicken
Definition
to impart to or receive vigour or enthusiasm
Thank you for quickening my spiritual understanding.
Synonyms
stimulate,
inspire,
arouse,
excite,
strengthen,
revive,
refresh,
activate,
animate,
rouse,
incite,
resuscitate,
energize,
revitalize,
kindle,
galvanize,
invigorate,
reinvigorate,
vitalize,
vivify
in the sense of quiver
Definition
to shake with a tremulous movement; tremble
His bottom lip quivered and big tears rolled down his cheeks.
Synonyms
shake,
tremble,
shiver,
quake,
shudder,
agitate,
vibrate,
pulsate,
quaver,
convulse,
palpitate
in the sense of raise
Definition
to stir up
Synonyms
stir up,
cause,
excite,
foster,
provoke,
motivate,
arouse,
evoke,
activate,
awaken,
rouse,
incite,
instigate,
whip up,
summon up,
kindle,
foment,
set on foot
in the sense of rouse
Definition
to provoke or excite
He did more to rouse the crowd than anybody else.
Synonyms
excite,
move,
arouse,
stir,
disturb,
provoke,
anger,
startle,
animate,
prod,
exhilarate,
get going,
agitate,
inflame,
incite,
whip up,
galvanize,
bestir
in the sense of sensation
Definition
a state of excitement
She caused a sensation at the Montreal Olympics.
Synonyms
excitement,
surprise,
thrill,
stir,
scandal,
furore,
agitation,
commotion
in the sense of shake
Definition
(of a voice) to tremble because of anger or nervousness
I stood there, crying and shaking with fear.
Synonyms
tremble,
shiver,
quake,
shudder,
quiver
in the sense of shake a leg
Definition
to hurry up
Come on, shake a leg! We've got loads to do today.
Synonyms
hurry,
rush,
move it,
hasten,
get cracking (informal),
get a move on (informal),
look lively (informal),
stir your stumps (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of thrill
Definition
to feel or cause to feel a thrill
The electric atmosphere both thrilled and terrified him.
Synonyms
excite,
stimulate,
arouse,
move,
send (slang),
stir,
flush,
tingle,
electrify,
titillate,
give someone a kick
in the sense of to-do
Definition
a commotion, fuss, or quarrel
Just like him to make such a to-do about it.
Synonyms
fuss,
performance (informal),
disturbance,
bother,
stir,
turmoil,
unrest,
flap (informal),
quarrel,
upheaval,
bustle,
furore,
uproar,
agitation,
commotion,
rumpus,
tumult,
brouhaha,
ruction (informal),
hue and cry,
hoo-ha
in the sense of tremble
Definition
to shake with short slight movements
He began to tremble all over.
Synonyms
shake,
shiver,
quake,
shudder,
quiver,
teeter,
totter,
quake in your boots,
shake in your boots or shoes
in the sense of tumult
Definition
a state of confusion and excitement
the recent tumult in global financial markets
Synonyms
disturbance,
trouble,
chaos,
turmoil,
storms,
upset,
stir,
disorder,
excitement,
unrest,
upheaval,
havoc (informal),
mayhem,
strife,
disarray,
turbulence,
ferment,
agitation,
convulsions,
bedlam
in the sense of uproar
Definition
a commotion or disturbance characterized by loud noise and confusion
The announcement caused uproar in the crowd.
Synonyms
commotion,
noise,
racket,
riot,
confusion,
turmoil,
brawl,
mayhem,
clamour,
din,
turbulence,
pandemonium,
rumpus,
hubbub,
hurly-burly,
brouhaha,
ruction (informal),
hullabaloo,
ruckus (informal),
bagarre
in the sense of urge
Definition
to plead with or press someone to do something
They urged parliament to approve plans for their reform programme.
Synonyms
beg,
appeal to,
exhort (formal),
press,
prompt,
plead,
put pressure on,
lean on,
solicit,
goad,
implore,
enjoin,
beseech,
pressurize,
entreat,
twist someone's arm (informal),
put the heat on (informal),
put the screws on (informal)
in the sense of whisk
Definition
to beat (cream or eggs) with a whisk or fork until frothy or stiff