Stir up
verb
To cause an unhealthy or unpleasant emotion or feeling to start or happen again.
He stirred up anger in the crowd.
Often appears as...
- stir up trouble
- stir up controversy
verb
To mix something, especially by moving it around with a spoon or stick.
She stirred up the ingredients in the bowl to make the cake batter.
Often appears as...
- stir up a mix
- stir up a potion
verb
To cause someone to remember something from the past, often with a negative emotional reaction.
His comments stirred up bad memories of the war.
Often appears as...
- stir up memories
- stir up emotions
verb
To encourage or promote trouble or conflict.
He is always stirring up trouble between the other kids at school.
Often appears as...
- stir up trouble
- stir up conflict
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To stimulate or excite someone's interest or enthusiasm.
His speech stirred up the crowd at the rally.
Often appears as...
- stir up enthusiasm
- stir up interest
verb
To cause an unhealthy or unpleasant emotion or feeling to start or happen again.
He stirred up anger in the crowd.
Often appears as...
- stir up trouble
- stir up controversy
verb
To mix something, especially by moving it around with a spoon or stick.
She stirred up the ingredients in the bowl to make the cake batter.
Often appears as...
- stir up a mix
- stir up a potion
verb
To cause someone to remember something from the past, often with a negative emotional reaction.
His comments stirred up bad memories of the war.
Often appears as...
- stir up memories
- stir up emotions
verb
To encourage or promote trouble or conflict.
He is always stirring up trouble between the other kids at school.
Often appears as...
- stir up trouble
- stir up conflict
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To stimulate or excite someone's interest or enthusiasm.
His speech stirred up the crowd at the rally.
Often appears as...
- stir up enthusiasm
- stir up interest
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/2Negative Emotions
Use 'stir up' when someone deliberately causes negative feelings to emerge.
His remarks stirred up resentment among the employees.
Pro Tip 2/2Avoiding Blame
People often use 'stir up' to suggest indirect responsibility for causing emotions.
She didn't want to stir up jealousy with her comments.
Pro Tip 1/2Negative Emotions
Use 'stir up' when someone deliberately causes negative feelings to emerge.
His remarks stirred up resentment among the employees.
Pro Tip 2/2Avoiding Blame
People often use 'stir up' to suggest indirect responsibility for causing emotions.
She didn't want to stir up jealousy with her comments.
Pro Tip 1/2Negative Emotions
Use 'stir up' when someone deliberately causes negative feelings to emerge.
His remarks stirred up resentment among the employees.
Pro Tip 2/2Avoiding Blame
People often use 'stir up' to suggest indirect responsibility for causing emotions.
She didn't want to stir up jealousy with her comments.
Never forget "Stir up"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension