agitation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
  2. noun a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
    ferment; unrest; tempestuousness; fermentation.
    • the political ferment produced new leadership
    • social unrest
  3. noun the feeling of being agitated; not calm
  4. noun disturbance usually in protest
    excitement; turmoil; hullabaloo; upheaval.
  5. noun the act of agitating something; causing it to move around (usually vigorously)

WordNet

Ag`i*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. agitatio: cf. F. agitation.
Definitions
  1. The act of agitating, or the state of being agitated; the state of being moved with violence, or with irregular action; commotion; as, the sea after a storm is in agitation.
  2. A stirring up or arousing; disturbance of tranquillity; disturbance of mind which shows itself by physical excitement; perturbation; as, to cause any one agitation.
  3. Excitement of public feeling by discussion, appeals, etc.; as, the antislavery agitation; labor agitation. "Religious agitations." Prescott.
  4. Examination or consideration of a subject in controversy, or of a plan proposed for adoption; earnest discussion; debate.
    A logical agitation of the matter. L'Estrange.
    The project now in agitation. Swift.
    Syn. -- Emotion; commotion; excitement; trepidation; tremor; perturbation. See Emotion.

Webster 1913