WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ag`i*ta"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. agitatio: cf. F. agitation.]
Definition : 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.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913