First Known Use: circa 1825
Dictionary
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
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>.
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