stir up
To make people feel strong emotions or cause problems, or to mix something by moving it around.
Meanings
To cause trouble, conflict, or unrest, often deliberately.
"He was always stirring up drama among his coworkers."
To awaken or provoke strong emotions or memories.
"The old photograph stirred up a flood of childhood memories."
To physically mix something by moving a utensil through it.
"Stir up the paint thoroughly before you apply it to the wall."
To cause widespread public debate or controversy.
"The politician's comments stirred up a national debate about immigration."
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.'
Commonly used with
Forms
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