Stir (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Stirred (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Stirring.] [OE. stiren, steren, sturen, AS. styrian; probably akin to D. storen to disturb, G. stören, OHG. stōren to scatter, destroy. √166.] 1. To change the place of in any manner; to move.
My foot I had never yet in five days been able to stir. Sir W. Temple.
2. To disturb the relative position of the particles of, as of a liquid, by passing something through it; to agitate; as, to stir a pudding with a spoon.
My mind is troubled, like a fountain stirred. Shak.
3. To bring into debate; to agitate; to moot.
Stir not questions of jurisdiction. Bacon.
4. To incite to action; to arouse; to instigate; to prompt; to excite. “To stir men to devotion.” Chaucer.
An Ate, stirring him to blood and strife. Shak.
And for her sake some mutiny will stir. Dryden.
☞ In all senses except the first, stir is often followed by up with an intensive effect; as, to stir up fire; to stir up sedition.
Syn. — To move; incite; awaken; rouse; animate; stimulate; excite; provoke.