agitate
verb (used with object)
to move or force into violent, irregular action.
had been agitating
-
past perfect progressiveof agitate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
De Berk had been agitating for doctors to pay attention to the child’s deteriorating condition.
From Science Magazine ● Jan. 18, 2023
American feminists had been agitating for Afghan women's rights for some time.
From Salon ● Aug. 18, 2021
Despite Rood’s role in the Ukraine drama, officials at the White House had been agitating for his removal for months for other reasons.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 19, 2020
Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham, who had been agitating for a special counsel and had vowed his own probe, said Tuesday he was going to step back and let Mr. Durham go at it.
From Washington Times ● May 14, 2019
For by means of the quality of the articles he was preparing to show me, the question which had been agitating me for hours could be definitely decided.
From That Affair Next Door by Anna Katharine Green
