What does stir mean?
Stir is a versatile word used both for physical movement and for social or emotional activity. In its most familiar sense, it means to mix a liquid by moving a spoon or another implement: you stir tea, soup, or batter. It can also mean to move faintly, as when a breeze stirs the curtains. Figuratively, the verb means to provoke or stimulate a reaction, such as stirring debate, concern, or enthusiasm. As a noun, a stir is a brief disturbance or burst of public attention, as in news that caused a stir. The word often suggests movement that interrupts stillness, so it has become associated with both everyday activity and controversy. Its many uses make it a useful word for describing anything that mixes, moves, awakens, or sets people talking.
To mix a liquid or other substance by moving it with a utensil; to cause something to move slightly; or to provoke or stimulate a response, feeling, or activity.
"She stirred the batter until it became smooth and creamy."
In figurative use, “stir” commonly means to provoke discussion, controversy, or strong feeling.
An act of stirring, or a brief disturbance or wave of public excitement, concern, or activity.
"The decision caused a stir in the community."
Countable uses refer to a particular disturbance, as in “caused a stir”; the abstract sense is also commonly used in the singular.
Countable uses have the regular plural form “stirs,” as in “several stirs over the proposal.”
"The policy generated stirs in several different communities."
The phrase “stir the pot” means provoke controversy, but its original image is the simple act of moving a cooking pot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stir come from?
The word comes from Middle English stiren, continuing Old English styrian, meaning to move or agitate. Its Germanic relatives include forms related to words such as storm, all involving movement, disturbance, or turbulence. Over time, the word extended from physical movement to emotional and social agitation, producing expressions such as “stir up trouble” and “cause a stir.”
Related word forms
How stir is actually used
When referring to causing a reaction or controversy, “stir” is often figurative and can imply agitation or disruption. “Stir” can also describe a vague movement, sound, or emotion, as in “a stirring of interest.”
Easily confused with stir
A stir is an act of mixing, moving, or provoking, whereas a stirrup is a support for a rider's foot.