to cause unusual interest or excitement.

Rufus was arguing with his older daughter about her boyfriend, and it caused a stir in the family.

Usage notes: often used with quite for emphasis:

Her latest novel has created quite a stir.

• just what the doctor ordered
• kangaroo court
• keel over
• keep abreast of
• keep abreast of something
• keep a civil tongue in head
• keep a civil tongue in your head
• keep a close watch on
• keep a close watch on someone
• keep a close watch on something
• keep a foot in both camps
• keep after
• keep after someone
• keep after something
• keep a grip on
• keep a grip on yourself
• keep a lid on
• keep a lid on something
• keep a low profile
• keep an ear out for
• keep an ear out for someone
• keep an ear out for something
• keep an ear to the ground
• keep an eye on
• keep an eye on someone