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Meaning of heckle
to interrupt someone who is speaking in order to criticize or annoy them
Etymology of heckle
The word "heckle" originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the noun "heckler", which referred to a person who teased or harassed others, especially in a public setting
The term is thought to have originated in the textile industry, where a "heckler" was a person who combed or teased out flax or hemp fibers
Over time, the term took on a broader meaning, encompassing any form of persistent teasing, harassment, or criticism
Synonyms
harass
tease
taunt
mock
ridicule
scorn
jeer
sneer
insult
abuse
belittle
demean
disparage
criticize
attack
vilify
defame
slander
libel
heckle
badger
bait
goad
provoke
irritate
annoy
vex
plague
pester
bother
disturb
interrupt
interject
disrupt
interfere
obstruct
hinder
impede
thwart
frustrate
antagonize
oppose
contradict
dispute
argue
debate
contest
challenge
question
doubt
mistrust
suspect
disparage
denounce
denigrate
deprecate
depreciate
belittle
minimize
mitigate
moderate
soften
tone
dampen
muffle
stifle
suppress
muzzle
gag
silence
quiet
still
hush
shush
rebuke
reprove
reprimand
scold
chide
admonish
censure
condemn
castigate
excoriate
lambast
fulminate
inveigh
rail
harangue
Definitions
- To interrupt someone who is speaking in order to criticize or annoy them
- * To harass or tease someone persistently
- * To try to embarrass or intimidate someone, especially by questioning them aggressively
Usage Examples
- The comedian was heckled by a member of the audience during his stand-up routine
- * The politician was heckled by protesters during her speech
- * The teacher tried to maintain order in the classroom, but the students continued to heckle her with questions and comments
Antonyms
praise
compliment
applaud
cheer
support
encourage
uplift
boost
motivate
inspire
agree
concur
affirm
confirm
validate
verify
substantiate
corroborate
reinforce
bolster
fortify
strengthen
assist
aid
help
facilitate
ease
calm
soothe
pacify
placate
mollify
appease
propitiate
conciliate
reconcile
mediate
arbitrate
negotiate
compromise
accommodate
acquiesce
comply
cooperate
collaborate