Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STIR, v.t. [stur; Sax. stirian, styrian; D. stooren; G. stören, to stir, to disturb; W. ystwriaw. This word gives storm; Ice. stir, war.]

1. To move; to change place in any manner. My foot I had never yet in five days been able to stir. – Temple.
2. To agitate; to bring into debate. Stir not questions of jurisdiction. – Bacon.
3. To incite to action; to instigate; to prompt. An Até, stirring him to blood and strife. – Shak.
4. To excite; to raise; to put into motion. And for her sake some mutiny will stir. – Dryden. To stir up, to incite; to animate; to instigate by inflaming passions; as, to stir up a nation to rebellion. The words of Judas were good, and able to stir them up to valor. – 2 Macc. #2. To excite; to put into action; to begin; as, to stir up a mutiny or insurrection; to stir up strife. #3. To quicken; to enliven; to make more lively or vigorous; as, to stir up the mind. #4. To disturb; as, to stir up the sediment of liquor.