agitate agitate /ˈædʒɪteɪt/

verb

1. () Try to stir up public opinion  ( foment , stir up , agitate )
   try to stir up public opinion
   
2. () Cause to be agitated, excited, or roused  ( charge , charge up , commove , agitate , excite , rouse , turn on )
   cause to be agitated, excited, or roused
    The speaker charged up the crowd with his inflammatory remarks
   The speaker charged up the crowd with his inflammatory remarks
   
3. Change the arrangement or position of  ( agitate , commove , shake up , disturb , raise up , stir up , vex )
   change the arrangement or position of
   
4. Move or cause to move back and forth  ( agitate , shake )
   move or cause to move back and forth
    The chemist shook the flask vigorously
   The chemist shook the flask vigorously
    My hands were shaking
   My hands were shaking
   
5. Move very slightly  ( agitate , shift , budge , stir )
   move very slightly
    He shifted in his seat
   He shifted in his seat
   
6. Exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for  ( agitate , crusade , press , campaign , fight , push )
   exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for
    The liberal party pushed for reforms
   The liberal party pushed for reforms
    She is crusading for women's rights
   She is crusading for women's rights
    The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate
   The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate