troublemaker

[truhb-uhl-mey-ker]

noun

1. a person who causes difficulties, distress, worry, etc., for others, especially one who does so habitually as a matter of malice.

   Synonyms: rabble-rouser, inciter, fomenter, instigator

troublemaker

/ ˈtrʌbəlˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who makes trouble, esp between people

Other Word Forms

• troublemaking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of troublemaker¹

First recorded in 1910–15; trouble + maker

Example Sentences

Araceli’s mother said that workers are afraid to complain about heat or other working conditions because they don’t want to be singled out as troublemakers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"The big unanswered question now is which strains are the healers, and which are the troublemakers."

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"But you've got to be really careful how you fight back, because you're quickly labelled as the angry or aggressive ethnic person, or the troublemaker."

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"The troublemakers were removed and the concert, which had to be interrupted, resumed and came to a peaceful conclusion," the venue said, adding that it was taking legal action.

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He urged potential troublemakers to consider the men and women who will be responding to calls on the busiest night of the year.

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Related Words

• agitator