Ag"i*tate (#), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Agitated (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Agitating (#).] [L. agitatus, p. p. of agitare to put in motion, fr. agere to move: cf. F. agiter. See Act, Agent.]
1.
To move with a violent, irregular action; as, the wind agitates the sea; to agitate water in a vessel.
"Winds . . .
agitate the air."
Cowper.
2.
To move or actuate.
[R.]
Thomson.
3.
To stir up; to disturb or excite; to perturb; as, he was greatly agitated.
The mind of man is agitated by various passions.
Johnson.
4.
To discuss with great earnestness; to debate; as, a controversy hotly agitated.
Boyle.
5.
To revolve in the mind, or view in all its aspects; to contrive busily; to devise; to plot; as, politicians agitate desperate designs.
Syn. -- To move; shake; excite; rouse; disturb; distract; revolve; discuss; debate; canvass.
© Webster 1913.