troublemaker

[ truhb-uhl-mey-ker ]

noun

1. a person who causes difficulties, distress, worry, etc., for others, especially one who does so habitually as a matter of malice.

   Synonyms: inciter, fomenter, instigator, rabble-rouser

troublemaker

/ ˈtrʌbəlˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who makes trouble, esp between people

Derived Forms

• ˈtroubleˌmaking, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• trouble·making noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of troublemaker¹

First recorded in 1910–15; trouble + maker

Example Sentences

"You have to interview people who want to join, you don't want troublemakers."

From BBC

One of the main organisers of the 2020 primary, Mr Tai has been labelled by China as a “hardcore troublemaker” for allegedly advocating Hong Kong independence and describing the Communist Party’s rule as a “dictatorship”.

From BBC

When issues do arise, actors are scared to speak out or be seen as “troublemakers” because of an uneven power dynamic, Alexa says.

From BBC

It has long seen Lai as a "troublemaker" advocating for Taiwan's independence.

From BBC

That exercise, which China described as its largest yet, were timed to coincide with the inauguration of President Lai, who Beijing has long seen as a "troublemaker" advocating for Taiwan's independence.

From BBC

Related Words

• agitator