agitate
verb (used with object)
to move or force into violent, irregular action.
has been agitating
-
present perfect progressiveof agitate (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Wilson has been agitating for a board overhaul, and The Wall Street Journal has reported that Elliott was looking to help the retailer find a new leader.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
Landlocked Ethiopia, home to around 130 million people and one of Africa’s strongest economies, has been agitating for sea access.
From Barron's ● Apr. 7, 2026
The lore has it that Trump saw the Bastille Day celebration in France in 2017 and has been agitating for one ever since.
From Salon ● May 28, 2025
In addition to the United States, France has been agitating to go above 15 percent.
From New York Times ● Sep. 14, 2021
For years Minerva has been agitating to go to law school.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
