Definition of: agitate

(aj′ə·tāt) v. ·tat·ed, ·tat·ing v.t.
1. To shake or move irregularly.
2. To set or keep moving, as a fan.
3. To excite or endeavor to excite, as a crowd; perturb.
4. To discuss publicly and incessantly, as a controversial question.
5. Archaic To revolve in the mind; plan.
—v.i.
6. To keep a subject or cause under continuous discussion, in order to excite public interest. [<L agitatus, pp. of agitare set in motion, freq. of agere move]