heckle

Definitions

1verbTo interrupt a public speaker or performer with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse.

The comedian was heckled by a rowdy audience member.

During the politician's speech, several people in the crowd began to heckle.

Heckling can disrupt a performance and make it difficult for the speaker to continue.

Word Origin

Language

Middle English

Original word

hekelen

Originally meant

to comb or separate flax fibers

Background

Originally, 'heckle' referred to the process of combing flax or hemp fibers with a tool called a heckle. Over time, the term evolved to mean verbally 'combing through' someone's speech with interruptions or criticisms.

Tap when you've understood, and the word is marked as understood in your notebook