heckler

[ˈhɛklər]

heckler Definition

• 1. a person who interrupts a public speaker or performer with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse
• 2. a person who harasses others with unwanted and intrusive comments or questions

Using heckler: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "heckler" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The comedian was constantly interrupted by a heckler in the audience.

• Example

  The politician faced a group of hecklers during his speech.

• Example

  She was a notorious heckler at town hall meetings.

• Example

  The team's coach was known for being a heckler during games.

heckler Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for heckler

• disrupter
• troublemaker
• harasser
• antagonist
• provoker

Antonyms for heckler

• supporter
• admirer

Idioms Using heckler

• give someone the heckler's veto

  to allow a disruptive person or group to prevent others from speaking or expressing their views

  Example

  The university administration gave in to the heckler's veto and cancelled the controversial speaker's event.

• get the hecklers out

  to remove disruptive or unruly individuals from a public event

  Example

  The security team had to get the hecklers out of the concert venue before the show could continue.

• play the heckler

  to intentionally disrupt or distract others, often for comedic effect

  Example

  The actor decided to play the heckler during his friend's stand-up comedy routine.

Phrases with heckler

• professional heckler

  a person who is paid to disrupt or interrupt a public event, often for political purposes

  Example

  The politician's opponent hired a professional heckler to disrupt his campaign rallies.

• heckle someone into doing something

  to harass or pressure someone into doing something they may not want to do

  Example

  The boss heckled his employees into working overtime on the weekend.

• heckle and jeckle

  a pair of mischievous cartoon magpies known for their witty banter and practical jokes

  Example

  He grew up watching Heckle and Jeckle cartoons on Saturday mornings.

Origins of heckler

from Middle English 'hekelere', meaning 'one who comb or card wool'

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Summary: heckler in Brief

'Heckler' [ˈhɛklər] refers to a person who interrupts a public speaker or performer with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse. It can also refer to someone who harasses others with unwanted and intrusive comments or questions. Examples include a comedian being interrupted by a heckler in the audience or a politician facing a group of hecklers during a speech. Phrases like 'professional heckler' and idioms like 'give someone the heckler's veto' extend the term's usage.