26984 words

stir

14 definitions • 24 examples
1
to mix a liquid or other substance by moving an object such as a spoon in a circular pattern:

Examples:

Stir the sauce gently until it begins to boil.
Stir the egg yolks into the mixture.
She paused to stir some milk into her coffee.
2
to move or to cause something to move slightly:

Examples:

He stirred in his sleep as I kissed him.
3
to wake up or begin to move or take action:

Examples:

The alarm clock went off, but she didn't stir.
UK Come on, stir yourselves, or you'll be late!
4
If something stirs you, it makes you feel a strong emotion:

Examples:

I was deeply stirred by her performance.
[ + obj + to infinitive ] The speech stirred the crowd to take action.
5
If an emotion stirs within you, you begin to feel it:

Examples:

Hope stirred within her heart.
6
to cause trouble intentionally between other people, especially by telling false or secret information:

Examples:

There's a lot of gossip about me going around. Have you been stirring?
7
the act of stirring a liquid or other substance in order to mix it:

Examples:

Could you give the soup a quick stir?
8
a lot of interest or excitement:

Examples:

The scandal caused/created quite a stir at the time.
9
an occasion when a group of people march or stand together to show that they disagree with or support something or someone; a demonstration
10
to mix liquids or other substances, or to move an object such as a spoon in a circular movement:

Examples:

[ T ] Chad stirred the thick paint in the buckets.
[ I ] Add tomatoes, stir, and bring to boil.
[ M ] Let the rice sit, and then stir it up.
11
to move slightly, or to cause something to move:

Examples:

[ T ] A breeze stirred the palm trees.
[ I ] The old man stirred in his chair.
[ M ] Her boat went ahead of mine, so she’d stir up the fish and I’d catch them.
12
to cause feelings or emotions to be felt:

Examples:

That music stirred some old emotions.
[ M ] He just likes to stir up unrest.
13
the act of mixing liquids or other substances with an object such as a spoon:

Examples:

Give the onions a stir.
14
a lot of interest or excitement:

Examples:

He caused a stir at the music awards by emptying a glass of water over the presenter’s head.

Navigation