Agitation: meaning, definitions and examples

Agitation is used when someone is feeling very troubled or disturbed, often visibly upset or irritable. This can happen in situations of extreme stress or when someone is provoked.

• She was in a state of agitation after hearing the bad news.
• His constant pacing and muttering indicated his agitation.

Anxiety refers to feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear about an anticipated event or uncertain outcome. This term is often used in medical or psychological contexts.

• She experienced anxiety before her job interview.
• His anxiety made it difficult for him to concentrate on his studies.

Restlessness is described as an inability to remain still or calm due to boredom, impatience, or unease. It often refers to physical movement, like fidgeting or moving around.

• He felt a sense of restlessness after sitting indoors all day.
• Her restlessness made it difficult for her to stay focused on her work.

Nervousness occurs when someone feels uneasy or apprehensive, often in a social or performance context. It is akin to mild anxiety but usually situational and temporary.

• She felt a wave of nervousness before stepping onto the stage.
• His nervousness was evident as he fumbled with his notes during the presentation.

Excitement is used to describe a positive feeling of enthusiasm or eagerness about something that is going to happen. This term is generally associated with happy or anticipatory situations.

• The children were full of excitement as they waited for the carnival to start.
• He could hardly contain his excitement about the upcoming trip.

This term is often used when there's a sense of urgency or disorder, usually related to protests or political movements. It has a slightly negative connotation and implies a state of emotional disturbance or excitement.

• The political agitation in the streets grew louder each day.
• His constant agitation over the issue finally got the government's attention.

Promotion is used when discussing efforts to make something known or popular, typically in a commercial setting. It implies active efforts to increase awareness or sales of a product, service, or idea.

• The company launched a new promotion for its summer products.
• Her promotion of the event brought in a large crowd.

Advocacy is used in situations where support or recommendation for a cause or policy is needed. It suggests a proactive and, typically, well-organized effort to influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems.

• Her advocacy for mental health reforms has changed many lives.
• The children's rights group has strong advocacy for safer environments in schools.

Campaigning refers to organized efforts to achieve a goal, especially in the context of elections or public awareness drives. It covers a range of activities like speeches, debates, and promotional events.

• The senator spent months campaigning for re-election.
• They are campaigning to raise awareness about climate change.

This term is used to describe a state of nervousness, restlessness, or anxiety. It can be used in both emotional and physical contexts.

• She felt a deep sense of agitation before her big presentation
• The news caused public agitation

Usually involves using a tool to move substances in a circular motion for the purpose of blending them. It can also mean inducing strong emotions or actions.

• He is stirring the soup to make sure it doesn't stick to the pot
• The speech had a stirring effect on the audience

Refers to combining two or more substances or elements evenly together. Often used in cooking, chemistry, and social contexts.

• She is mixing flour and water to make dough
• They are good at mixing with people from different backgrounds

Describes irregular, chaotic motion, often in the context of air or water. Used frequently in aviation and weather reports. It can also describe a state of disturbance or confusion.

• The plane experienced severe turbulence during the flight
• Their relationship went through a period of turbulence