heckle

verb heck·le \ˈhe-kəl\

: to interrupt (someone, such as a speaker or performer) by shouting annoying or rude comments or questions

heck·ledheck·ling \-k(ə-)liŋ\

Full Definition of HECKLE

transitive verb

: to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes : badger

— heck·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

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Origin of HECKLE

Middle English hekelen to dress flax, scratch, from heckele hackle; akin to Old High German hāko hook — more at hook

First Known Use: circa 1825

Related to HECKLE

Synonyms: bait, hassle, haze, tease, needle, ride, taunt

Synonym Discussion of HECKLE

bait, badger, heckle, hector, chivy, hound mean to harass by efforts to break down. bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim <baited the chained dog>. badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy <badgered her father for a car>. heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker <drunks heckled the stand-up comic>. hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering <football players hectored by their coach>. chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging <chivied the new student mercilessly>. hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing <hounded by creditors>.

Rhymes with HECKLE

deckle, freckle, shekel, speckle

Learn More About HECKLE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "heckle"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "heckle"

Nglish: Translation of "heckle" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "heckle" for Arabic speakers

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