stir
Pronunciation: (stûr), [key]
— v., n. stirred, stir•ring,
—v.t.
- 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: to stir one's coffee with a spoon.
- to set in tremulous, fluttering, or irregular motion: A soft breeze stirred the leaves.
- to affect strongly; excite: to stir pity; to stir one's heart.
- to incite, instigate, or prompt (usually fol. by up): to stir up a people to rebellion.
- to move briskly; bestir: to stir oneself.
- to move, esp. in a slight way: He would not stir a finger to help them.
- to rouse from inactivity, quiet, contentment, indifference, etc. (usually fol. by up): to stir up his potential.
- to bring up for notice or discussion.
- to disturb; trouble.
—v.i.
- to move, esp. slightly or lightly: Not a leaf stirred.
- to move around, esp. briskly; be active: Everyone in the house was stirring.
- to become active, as from some rousing or quickening impulse.
- to be emotionally moved or strongly affected.
- to be in circulation, current, or afoot: Is there any news stirring?
—n.
- the act of stirring or moving.
- the sound made by stirring or moving slightly.
- a state or occasion of general excitement; commotion: The news created a stir.
- a mental impulse, sensation, or feeling: a stir of hope.
- a jog, poke, or thrust: He gave the refuse a stir with his foot.
- movement, esp. brisk and busy movement: There was too much clamor and stir for her.
stir
Pronunciation: (stûr), [key]
— n. Slang.
- prison.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.