Agitating: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing something that causes anxiety, unrest, or worry. It can be used in emotional or political contexts.

• The constant noise from the construction site was very agitating.
• Her agitating comments on social media caused a lot of distress among her followers.

Useful when referring to something that is intended to provoke thought, reactions, or controversy. This word can have both negative and positive connotations depending on the context.

• Her provocative dress attracted a lot of attention at the party.
• The artist's provocative installation stirred up a lot of discussion about social issues.

Best used in contexts where words or actions are likely to cause anger or strong reactions. Often related to speech or statements that can incite emotional responses.

• The politician's inflammatory remarks led to protests.
• Publishing such an inflammatory article could lead to widespread unrest.

Relates to causing annoyance or reactions, often negative. It is less intense than 'inflammatory' but still conveys irritation or disturbance.

• His provoking behavior is getting on everyone's nerves.
• The teacher's harsh criticism was provoking discomfort among the students.

This word is often used when someone is making others anxious, upset, or nervous, especially in a political or social context.

• The speaker was agitating the crowd with his inflammatory remarks.
• She found his constant complaints very agitating.

This term is used when someone is encouraging others to take action, especially something violent or unlawful. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• The leader's speech was designed to incite the crowd to riot.
• He was arrested for attempting to incite violence.

This phrase is often used when someone is causing trouble or creating strong feelings, sometimes in a group of people.

• He loves to stir up controversy with his opinions.
• The news article is likely to stir up public sentiment.

This word is used when someone causes a reaction or emotion, typically anger or annoyance, in others.

• His rude comments were meant to provoke her into an argument.
• The decision to raise taxes is likely to provoke public outrage.