agitation

Etymology

From French agitation, from Latin agitātiō (“movement, agitation”).

noun

1. The act of agitating, or the state of being agitated; the state of being disrupted with violence, or with irregular action; commotion.
   During a storm the sea is in agitation.
2. A disturbance of personal tranquillity; disturbance of someone's peace of mind.
   She causes great agitation within me.
3. Excitement of public feeling by discussion, appeals, etc.
   the antislavery agitation
   labor agitation
   After this conflict pro-independence agitation temporarily died down.
4. (archaic) Examination or consideration of a subject in controversy, or of a plan proposed for adoption; earnest discussion; debate.
   […] the project now in agitation […] 1732, Jonathan Swift, The Advantages Proposed by Repealing the Sacramental Test