agitate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈadʒɪteɪt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1make (someone) troubled or nervous: the thought of questioning Toby agitated him extremely
  • 2stir or disturb (something, especially a liquid) briskly: agitate the water to disperse the oil
  • 3 [no object] campaign to arouse public concern about an issue in the hope of prompting action: they agitated for a reversal of the decision

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'drive away'): from Latin agitat- 'agitated, driven', from agitare, frequentative of agere 'do, drive'