to cause people to become agitated; to cause trouble in a group of people; to shock or alarm people. When Bob appeared without jacket and tie, it caused a stir at the state dinner.

What does it mean to cause a stir?

The expression we're going to review today is “to cause a stir.” To cause a stir is to cause a bit of a commotion, to cause controversy, to upset or agitate people. You wouldn't say that to describe something terrible or tragic, but you would say it when people got upset and voiced their displeasure.

What does it mean for someone to stir?

1 : to cause (someone) to feel a strong emotion and a desire to do something The speech stirred up the crowd. 2 : to cause (something) to move up into and through the air or water The workers stirred up a lot of dust.