agitation
A state of anxiety or nervous excitement, often characterized by restless movement. It can also refer to the act of stirring a liquid or the persistent campaigning for social or political change.
Examples
3 of 5He paced back and forth across the room in a state of visible agitation.
He moved restlessly and nervously because he was worried or upset.
The patient began to show signs of acute agitation after the medication wore off.
The patient exhibited severe nervous excitement or restlessness.
I could hear the agitation in her voice when she talked about the incident.
I could notice her nervous stress through the way she spoke.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a washing machine's 'agitator'—it is the central part that moves the clothes around quickly and restlessly.
Quick Quiz
The news of the delay caused a great deal of _______ among the waiting passengers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: agitation
Examples
He paced back and forth across the room in a state of visible agitation.
everydayHe moved restlessly and nervously because he was worried or upset.
The patient began to show signs of acute agitation after the medication wore off.
formalThe patient exhibited severe nervous excitement or restlessness.
I could hear the agitation in her voice when she talked about the incident.
informalI could notice her nervous stress through the way she spoke.
The 19th century was marked by intense political agitation for universal suffrage.
academicThe 1800s saw persistent public protesting and campaigning for the right to vote.
Market agitation followed the unexpected announcement of the CEO's resignation.
businessThe financial market became turbulent and unstable after the news.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in a state of agitation
feeling very nervous or upset
cause agitation
to make someone feel nervous or to stir something up
political agitation
public activity or protest to achieve a political goal
Often Confused With
Irritation is a feeling of annoyance or slight anger, while agitation is a state of restless, nervous excitement.
Aggression involves hostile or violent behavior, whereas agitation is primarily about internal restlessness and anxiety.
Usage Notes
Agitation is most commonly used to describe a person's mental state of restlessness, but remember it is also used in chemistry or mechanics to describe stirring or shaking.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the word 'agitation' when they mean 'anger'. While they can be related, agitation specifically implies a lack of calm and a lot of movement.
Memory Tip
Think of a washing machine's 'agitator'—it is the central part that moves the clothes around quickly and restlessly.
Word Origin
From Latin 'agitatio', derived from 'agitare' meaning 'to move to and fro' or 'to drive'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In history, 'agitation' is a standard term used to describe the organized movements of the working class or civil rights groups (e.g., 'The Chartist agitation').
Quick Quiz
The news of the delay caused a great deal of _______ among the waiting passengers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: agitation
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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