heckle

[ hek-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, heck·led, heck·ling.

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 Words From

• 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

Responding to a heckle, Powell said: "No, I wasn't there actually."

From BBC

Students can heckle you during a speech.

From Salon

But he also faced a heckle of "tax the rich" during his speech.

From BBC

The protesters, perhaps unhappy at her generous characterization of the latest ceasefire proposal that critics say has been undermined by additional Israeli demands, continued to heckle Pelosi, who raised her voice in response.

From Salon

After the press conference ended, they continued to follow and heckle De Niro.

From Salon

Related Words

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