The mind of man is agitated by various passions.
Johnson.
4. To discuss with great earnestness; to debate; as, a controversy hotly agitated. Boyle.
5. To revolve in the mind, or view in all its aspects; to contrive busily; to devise; to plot; as, politicians agitate desperate designs.
Syn. -- To move; shake; excite; rouse; disturb; distract; revolve; discuss; debate; canvass.
Ag"i*ta`ted*ly, adv. In an agitated manner.
Ag`i*ta"tion (&?;), n. [L. agitatio: cf. F. agitation.] 1. The act of agitating, or the state of being agitated; the state of being moved with violence, or with irregular action; commotion; as, the sea after a storm is in agitation.
2. A stirring up or arousing; disturbance of tranquillity; disturbance of mind which shows itself by physical excitement; perturbation; as, to cause any one agitation.
3. Excitement of public feeling by discussion, appeals, etc.; as, the antislavery agitation; labor agitation. "Religious agitations." Prescott.
4. Examination or consideration of a subject in controversy, or of a plan proposed for adoption; earnest discussion; debate.
A logical agitation of the matter.
L'Estrange.
The project now in agitation.
Swift.
Syn. -- Emotion; commotion; excitement; trepidation; tremor; perturbation. See Emotion.
Ag"i*ta*tive (&?;), a. Tending to agitate.
||A`gi*ta"to (&?;), a. [It., agitated.] (Mus.) Sung or played in a restless, hurried, and spasmodic manner.
Ag"i*ta`tor (&?;), n. [L.] 1. One who agitates; one who stirs up or excites others; as, political reformers and agitators.
2. (Eng. Hist.) One of a body of men appointed by the army, in Cromwell's time, to look after their interests; - - called also adjutators. Clarendon.