Skip to main content
agitation

agitation

1 4.8
Moving something quickly to mix or clean it
  • noun
  • /ˌædʒɪˈteɪʃən/
translation icon : agitación
  • In the lab, they required constant agitation of the solution to achieve the desired chemical reaction.
  • mechanical agitation
  • agitation of the water

Examples

  • The chef used vigorous agitation to blend the ingredients into a smooth batter.

  • The results clearly demonstrate that by increasing the agitation speed, the biosorption of dyes from all five samples increased.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Larissa remembered its agitation when she had tried to drink from the plants.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • But the single fish continued its agitation, apparently not noticing Delia's gift.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The dip tank will connect to an air blower system for agitation and mixing during cleaning.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The first facility used mechanical agitation of sludge, while the second used a fine-bubble diffused-air system.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Cedar Grove minimizes agitation of piles to prevent unnecessary movement and potential emissions.

    Academic text (2000)
  • In fact, in-vessel composting facilities with some agitation systems are being tested for the composting of sludge from wastewater treatment plants.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Effective agitation of the paint ensures a uniform color before applying it to the wall.

Synonyms

shaking
vsagitation
52 1.8

A quick repeated movement back and forth or up and down that makes things tremble

refers to vigorous mixing or stirring rather than any trembling
succussion
vsagitation
1 9.9

Shaking a bottle to mix the liquid inside

is the general vigorous motion not limited to liquids
stirring
vsagitation
1 1.0

Mixing a liquid using a spoon or stick

involves vigorous shaking or movement rather than only tool use
churning
vsagitation
4.9

Water that moves in strong, swirling ways

is vigorous shaking more broadly, not only swirling

Antonyms

45 1.0

A calm time with little or no sound

38 3.5

A time of complete quiet and no movement that feels calm

How Vigorous

turbulence
  • Specialized
7 6.3
agitation
1 4.8
stirring
1 1.0
motion
544 1.4
stillness
38 3.5

Surface Forms

agitation singular
agitations plural

Morphology

agitation = agitate (transparent) = agitate + ion

The noun names the physical act or result of agitating (stirring/shaking), a straightforward deverbal nominalization.

Etymology

Agitation comes from the verb agitate, built on the root ag- meaning 'to move', and originally meant 'to shake or stir'. So physical agitation is the literal 'shaking' or stirring that helps mix things or make bubbles.