Definition of "agitation"

agitation

/ad͡ʒɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural agitations
1. The act of agitating, or the state of being agitated; the state of being disrupted with violence, or with irregular action; commotion.
2. A disturbance of personal tranquillity; disturbance of someone's peace of mind.
3. Excitement of public feeling by discussion, appeals, etc.
  Quotations
  […] religious agitations […]
  1855–1858, William H[ickling] Prescott, History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, volumes (please specify |volume=I to III), Boston, Mass.: Phillips, Sampson, and Company
4. (archaic) Examination or consideration of a subject in controversy, or of a plan proposed for adoption; earnest discussion; debate.
  Quotations
  […] a logical agitation of the matter […]
  1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […]
  […] the project now in agitation […]
  1732, Jonathan Swift, The Advantages Proposed by Repealing the Sacramental Test