agitation

 
Pronunciation: /adʒɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1a state of anxiety or nervous excitement: she was wringing her hands in agitation
  • 2brisk stirring or disturbance of a liquid: the techniques mostly involve agitation by stirring
  • 3the arousing of public concern about an issue and pressing for action on it: widespread agitation for social reform
  • [count noun] Indian a public demonstration.

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'action, being active'): from Latin agitatio(n-), from the verb agitare (see agitate)