stir up — to deliberately cause trouble, controversy, or strong emotions
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to deliberately cause trouble, controversy, or strong emotions
Pronunciation (IPA): /stɜːr ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother can stir up a delicious meal from just leftovers in the fridge.
- Don't stir up the boss today - he's already grumpy about the budget cuts.
- The documentary stirred up public interest in environmental protection.
stir up
VERB[/stɜːr ʌp/]
to deliberately cause trouble, controversy, or strong emotions
to deliberately cause trouble, controversy, or strong emotions
Her words spur the crowd, making boundaries blur!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase derives from Old English 'styrian', meaning 'to move' or 'to agitate'. The directional particle 'up' was combined with 'stir' to develop the extended meaning 'to agitate or disturb thoroughly', which later acquired the figurative sense of 'to incite or provoke'.
Breakdown
stir (from Old English styrian, 'to move or agitate') + up (adverbial particle indicating direction or completeness), combining to express the action of moving something upward or stirring thoroughly.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother can stir up a delicious meal from just leftovers in the fridge.”
“Don't stir up the boss today - he's already grumpy about the budget cuts.”
“The documentary stirred up public interest in environmental protection.”
“Every time he visits, he manages to stir up drama between the family members.”
📚Related Words
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