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agitating
/ˈædʒɪteɪtɪŋ/
causing worry or disturbance
The constant noise from the construction site was agitating to the nearby residents.
The noise was disturbing and made the residents feel uneasy.
neutral
causing anxiety, unease, or disturbance
The agitating news about the economic downturn left many investors nervous.
The concerning news about the economy made investors anxious.
Often describes situations, events, or information that provoke emotional discomfort or restlessness.
formal
stirring up strong emotions or public disturbance
The politician's speech was deemed agitating by authorities for inciting public unrest.
The politician's speech was considered provocative as it stirred up public anger.
In sociological contexts, it refers to actions or words that intentionally provoke social or political unrest.
Collocations
agitating newsworrying or disturbing newsagitating thoughtsdisturbing or unsettling thoughtsagitating effecta disturbing or unsettling impact
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'agitating' vs. 'agitated'
'Agitating' describes something that causes disturbance (e.g., 'agitating news'), while 'agitated' describes a state of being disturbed (e.g., 'He felt agitated').
Gold Rule
Use 'agitating' for causes, 'agitated' for effects
Apply 'agitating' to the source of disturbance (e.g., 'The agitating speech') and 'agitated' to the resulting emotion (e.g., 'The crowd became agitated').
Word Origin
From Latin *agitatus*, past participle of *agitare* (to stir up, agitate), frequentative of *agere* (to drive, lead). The sense of causing emotional disturbance emerged in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used as an adjective to describe situations, news, or thoughts that cause emotional discomfort. Avoid overusing in formal writing where 'disturbing' or 'provocative' might be more precise.
Word Breakdown
agitate
to stir up or disturb
root-ing
present participle/adjective suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary