agitate

USAGE SUMMARY

'agitate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to mean to cause feelings of anxiety or unrest in (someone), or to stir up (a feeling or situation). For example, "The news has been agitating the local population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we'll continue to agitate for political parties to revise this bad bill in light of our evidence after the 2015 election.

The Guardian

Crime and the closure or downsizing of Hartlepool's bustling three-star hospital, not foxhunting or Iraq, agitate most Hartlepudlians.

The Guardian

As a teenager, I'd constantly agitate my friends to meet outside Woolworths on a Saturday afternoon or go drinking stolen amaretto in the woods.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mere mention of such foreign alliances is guaranteed to agitate the French government.

The Economist

Rather than withholding aid, they argue, better for Westerners to support grassroots organisations which agitate for change.Left to their own devicesWell-known international human-rights groups devote as much attention to the quiet cultivation of links with local activists as they do to public denunciations of laws they disagree with.

The Economist

If Scots have more control over their own affairs, they are less likely to agitate against "rule from London".

The Economist

Some organisers receive jail sentences; the relatives of others, who choose to agitate in safety from outside the country, lose their jobs.

The Economist

The point is that the days when the bigots in the Conservative Party received official encouragement have gone.In 1968, Enoch Powell thrilled many Conservatives with his hateful "rivers of blood" speech, railing against a race-relations bill which he said would empower immigrants "to agitate and campaign against their fellow citizens".

The Economist

But others believe that Mr Obama has now raised expectations that changes would come quickly.A rift has opened between those who want to agitate for immediate action and those who want a sunnier relationship with their president.

The Economist

That should reduce income inequality and boost economic growth at the same time.Voters dislike the growing inequality of incomes, and often agitate for redistributive policies to reverse it.

The Economist

But as Labour colleagues start to agitate against his leadership, a cabinet sinecure might be attractive.Mr Netanyahu will be looking for a new foreign minister to replace Avigdor Lieberman, whose far-right Yisrael Beitenu was reduced to only six seats (compared with 13 for the newly unified Arab parties that he sought to exclude from the Knesset).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "agitate" in the context of political or social movements, consider the intensity of the action you want to convey. "Agitate" can suggest a more forceful or disruptive approach compared to alternatives like "advocate" or "promote".

Common error

Avoid using "agitate" when a more neutral term like "discuss" or "address" is appropriate, as "agitate" often carries a connotation of unrest or disturbance. Consider the impact of your word choice on the audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "agitate" is as a verb. It describes an action of stirring up, disturbing, or advocating for something. Ludwig examples show "agitate" used to describe political actions, emotional states, and physical processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agitate" is a versatile verb used to describe actions ranging from stirring emotions to advocating for social or political change. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With a high frequency of occurrence, especially in news and media sources, understanding its connotations is essential for effective communication. While grammatically sound, writers should be mindful of the context to avoid unintended implications. Utilizing best practices and avoiding common errors will enhance clarity and precision in writing using "agitate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stir up

Focuses on initiating or intensifying a feeling or situation.

foment

Implies instigating or promoting discord or trouble.

advocate for

Highlights active support and promotion of a cause or policy.

campaign for

Emphasizes organized efforts to achieve a specific goal, often political or social.

push for

Suggests exerting pressure to achieve a desired outcome.

press for

Similar to "push for", but may imply more formal or insistent demands.

lobby for

Involves influencing policymakers to support a particular cause or legislation.

raise awareness

Focuses on increasing public knowledge and understanding of an issue.

excite

Stresses the arousal of enthusiasm or interest.

disturb

Implies disruption of peace or tranquility.

FAQs

How to use "agitate" in a sentence?

You can use "agitate" to describe stirring up emotions or advocating for change. For example, "The speech served to agitate the crowd" or "They plan to agitate for better working conditions".

What can I say instead of "agitate"?

You can use alternatives like "stir up", "foment", or "advocate for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "agitate" or "mediate"?

"Agitate" and "mediate" have opposite meanings. "Agitate" means to stir up or disturb, while "mediate" means to act as a neutral party to resolve a dispute.

What's the difference between "agitate" and "irritate"?

"Agitate" often refers to stirring up emotions or social change, while "irritate" typically refers to causing annoyance or frustration. While both can involve negative feelings, "agitate" often has a broader scope.