stir

Definition

To disturb the relative position of the particles (of a liquid or similar) by passing an object through it.

Etymology

From Middle English stiren, sturien, steren, from Old English styrian (“to be in motion, move, agitate, stir, disturb, trouble”), from Proto-Germanic *sturiz (“turmoil, noise, confusion”), related to Proto-West Germanic *staurijan (“to destroy, disturb”). Cognate with Old Norse styrr (“turmoil, noise, confusion”), German stören (“to disturb”), Dutch storen (“to disturb”).

Example Sentences

• "She stirred the pudding with a spoon."
• "He stirred his coffee so the sugar wouldn't stay at the bottom."
• "My minde is troubled, like a Fountaine stir'd, / And I my selfe see not the bottome of it."