Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AG'IT-ATE, v.t. [L. agito, from ago. See Act.]

1. To stir violently; to move back and forth with a quick motion; to shake or move briskly; as, to agitate water in a vessel.
2. To move or force into violent irregular action; as, the wind agitates the sea.
3. To disturb, or excite into tumult; as, to agitate the mind or passions.
4. To discuss; to debate; to controvert; as, to agitate a question.
5. To consider on all sides; to revolve in the mind, or view in all its aspects; to contrive by mental deliberation; as, politicians agitate desperate designs. – King Charles.
6. To move or actuate. [Not used.] – Blackmore.