Collins English-English Dictionary

stir [st3ː]

1. 1. vb to move an implement such as a spoon around in (a liquid) so as to mix up the constituents

   she stirred the porridge

2. 2. vb to change or cause to change position; disturb or be disturbed

   he stirred in his sleep

3. 3. vi. [intr; often foll by from] to venture or depart (from one's usual or preferred place)

   he won't stir from the fireside

4. 4. vi. [intr] to be active after a rest; be up and about

5. 5. vt. [tr] to excite or stimulate, esp emotionally

6. 6. vt. to move (oneself) briskly or vigorously; exert (oneself)

7. 7. vt. [tr] to rouse or awaken

   to stir someone from sleep

   to stir memories

8. 8. vt. [informal] [when tr, foll by up] to cause or incite others to cause (trouble, arguments, etc)

9. 9. n the act or an instance of stirring or the state of being stirred

10. 10. n a strong reaction, esp of excitement

    his publication caused a stir

11. 11. n a slight movement

12. 12. n [NZ] [informal] a noisy party

13. 13. n See also stir up

14. 14. n [Etymology] Old English styrian; related to Middle High German stürn to poke, stir, Norwegian styrja to cause a commotion; see storm, sturgeon

stir [st3ː]

1. 1. n a slang word for prison

   in stir

2. 2. n [Etymology] C19: perhaps from Romany stariben prison