heckler

[ hek-ler, hek-uh-ler ]

noun

1. a person who harasses a public speaker or performer with impertinent questions, insults, etc.:

   As a comedian, you have to face any hecklers in the crowd head-on and deal with them, because if you don't, they can take over the show.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heckler¹

heckle ( def ) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Jason Kelce then turns around and grabs a phone out of someone’s hand — presumably that of the heckler — and smashes it to the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

Elevated rates of six diseases, including cancer, addiction, and diabetes, accounted for more than 80% of the excess mortality for Black and other minority populations, according to “The Heckler Report,” released in 1985.

From Salon

Yet, experts said, many of the problems identified in “The Heckler Report” persist.

From Salon

His exit came as the heckler had repeated his call and added "how many dead children will it take".

From BBC

Yorke responds by telling the heckler to "hop up on stage" to make his remarks.

From BBC

Related Words

• dissident
• militant