noun
agitation
aj-ih-TAY-shuhn/ˌædʒɪˈteɪʃn/
Stirring into unsettled motion or activity.
The person's restless pacing beside scattered paperwork reveals agitation.
Etymology
The motion in agitare becomes a state of mental tossing to and fro. That image connects physical shaking with the nervous excitement and unrest expressed by agitation.
In context
Stephen clung close to Harold in a state of agitation which was almost hysterical. She buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing brokenly
More examples
- She paced the room in growing agitation.
- Public agitation for reform continued throughout the winter.
- The washer stops its agitation cycle before draining.
Forms
agitate verb — To stir into unsettled motion or activity.
Similar words
- disturbance
- Emphasizes disruption of normal conditions rather than sustained stirring.
- unrest
- Usually refers to dissatisfaction and disorder within a community.