heckle

[ hek-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

heckled, heckling.

1. to harass (a public speaker, performer, etc.) with impertinent questions, gibes, or the like; badger.

   Synonyms: hound, hector, needle, provoke, bait

2. hackle ¹( def 7 ).

noun

1. hackle ¹( def 5 ).

heckle

/ ˈhɛkəl /

verb

1. to interrupt (a public speaker, performer, etc) by comments, questions, or taunts
2. Alsohacklehatchel tr to comb (hemp or flax)

noun

1. an instrument for combing flax or hemp

Derived Forms

• ˈheckler, noun

Other Word Forms

• heck·ler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heckle¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English hekelen, variant of hechelen “to comb flax”; akin to hackle ¹, hatchel

Word History and Origins

Origin of heckle¹

C15: Northern and East Anglian form of hackle

Example Sentences

Arizona and Arizona State fans once used the term to heckle him, but the taunts had the opposite of their intended effect.

From Los Angeles Times

Rep. Al Green of Texas showed some fire as he protested and heckled Trump.

From Salon

Trump was heckled by Democrats and he goaded them in turn during the rowdy primetime address, claiming that his administration was "just getting started".

From BBC

Last year, Dean found himself the victim of what he has described as "the most brutal heckle ever".

From BBC

The parliament descended into heckles on Wednesday after votes from the far-right party meant a non-binding CDU motion on tougher immigration rules was passed.

From BBC

Related Words

• badger
• bully
• embarrass
• hound
• interrupt
• pester
• rattle
• ridicule
• taunt
• tease