1 B1 idiomatic informal
To cause trouble, conflict, or unrest, often deliberately.
"He was always stirring up drama among his coworkers."
separable
stir up
B1 neutral separable transitive
To cause trouble, strong emotions, or conflict, or to physically mix something by stirring.
In plain English
To make people feel strong emotions or cause problems, or to mix something by moving it around.
What does "stir up" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To awaken or provoke strong emotions or memories.
"The old photograph stirred up a flood of childhood memories."
separable
3 A2 neutral
To physically mix something by moving a utensil through it.
"Stir up the paint thoroughly before you apply it to the wall."
separable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral
To cause widespread public debate or controversy.
"The politician's comments stirred up a national debate about immigration."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To mix something by moving a spoon or similar object through it in a circular motion.
Actually means
To make people feel strong emotions or cause problems, or to mix something by moving it around.
Usage tip
Has both a literal (mixing liquids/solids) and figurative sense. The figurative sense often implies deliberate provocation. Common in journalism: 'stir up controversy/debate/trouble.'
Words that pair with "stir up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trouble controversy emotions debate feelings dust
How to conjugate "stir up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stir up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stirs up
he/she/it
Past simple
stired up
yesterday
Past participle
stired up
have + pp
-ing form
stiring up
continuous
Hear "stir up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "stir up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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