Agitate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing someone actively causing someone else to feel anxious, troubled, or nervous. Often used in the context of a protest or when stirring emotions or actions.

• The speaker's inflammatory comments agitated the crowd.
• He agitated for more rights and better working conditions.

Used when talking about something disruptive that interrupts the normal function or calm of a person or place. It often implies causing worry or mild annoyance.

• Please don't disturb the patients in the recovery ward.
• His strange behavior began to disturb the neighbors.

Used to describe causing someone to feel emotional distress or to remove someone from a state of contentment. It is also commonly used when referring to being emotionally troubled.

• The bad news upset her greatly.
• His rude comments upset everyone at the meeting.

Often used when something or someone makes someone else feel uneasy or uncertain, disrupting their peace of mind.

• The sudden change in weather unsettled everyone at the picnic.
• Her unexpected visit unsettled him.

Used when you want to describe the act of causing someone to feel worried or upset, or to stir up public feelings on an issue. Often has a negative connotation.

• 'The loud noises from the construction site agitated the residents
• ' 'The speaker's comments agitated the crowd
• '

Used to describe a demonstration or action expressing objection to something, often organized publicly and connected to political or social issues.

• 'They organized a protest against the new law
• ' 'She joined the protest to voice her concerns
• '

Used when referring to an organized course of action to achieve a goal, typically political or social.

• 'They launched a campaign to reduce plastic waste
• ' 'The politician's campaign for re-election was very successful
• '

Used when you are actively supporting or recommending a cause or policy, usually in a positive and constructive manner.

• 'She advocates for environmental sustainability
• ' 'He is a strong advocate for human rights
• '