stirring (ˈstɜːrɪŋ
)
Definitions
adjective
- exciting the emotions; stimulating
- active, lively, or busy
Alternative Forms
ˈstirringly adverbSynonyms
View thesaurus entry1stir1 (stɜː)
Definitions
verb
Word forms: stirs, stirring, stirred
- to move an implement such as a spoon around in (a liquid) so as to mix up the constituents ⇒
she stirred the porridge
- to change or cause to change position; disturb or be disturbed ⇒
he stirred in his sleep
- (intr) from to venture or depart (from one's usual or preferred place) ⇒
he won't stir from the fireside
- (intr) to be active after a rest; be up and about
- (tr) to excite or stimulate, esp emotionally
- to move (oneself) briskly or vigorously; exert (oneself)
- (tr) to rouse or awaken ⇒
to stir someone from sleep
to stir memories
- informal tr, foll by up to cause or incite others to cause (trouble, arguments, etc)
- See stir one's stumps
noun
- the act or an instance of stirring or the state of being stirred
- a strong reaction, esp of excitement ⇒
his publication caused a stir
- a slight movement
- New Zealand informal a noisy party
See also
stir upAlternative Forms
ˈstirrable adjectiveWord Origin
Old English styrian; related to Middle High German stürn to poke, stir, Norwegian styrja to cause a commotion; see storm, sturgeonSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
move,
change position
= get moving
move,
get a move on,
hasten,
budge,
make an effort be up and about
look lively,
shake a leg,
exert yourself bestir yourself
=
stimulate,
move,
excite,
fire,
raise,
touch,
affect,
urge,
inspire,
prompt,
spur,
thrill,
provoke,
arouse,
awaken,
animate,
rouse,
prod,
quicken,
inflame,
incite,
instigate,
electrify,
kindle,
Usage examples
With any luck, he'd be in the town by the time the guests were stirring in the morning.
, Weekend for Murder (1985)Jordan, meanwhile, accused Kolinko's agent of stirring things up.
Spiked (2002)A bunch in New Brunswick even get together to restage their march and sing their stirring protest anthem.
Globe and Mail (2003)Simmer until the mixture becomes a thick pulp, stirring occasionally until setting point is reached.
Glasgow Herald (2001)She had brought her drawing stuff but the garden was still drowsy with morning and only just stirring into life.
, THE SECRETS OF JIN-SHEI (2004)