heckler

[hek-ler, hek-uh-ler]

noun

1. a person who harasses a public speaker or performer with impertinent questions, insults, etc..

   As a comedian, you have to face any hecklers in the crowd head-on and deal with them, because if you don't, they can take over the show.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heckler¹

heckle ( def. ) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Earlier in the day, Chancellor Rachel Reeves' speech had been interrupted by a pro-Palestinian heckler who held up a Palestinian flag and said: "Why is Britain still arming Israel?"

From BBC

By this stage, the exasperated European pair - as well as vice-captain Eduardo Molinari - were pointing out hecklers to the police officers, who had visibly moved in tighter in a bid to calm the mood.

From BBC

Britain's Jacob Fearnley overcame nerves in the big moments - and a heckler - to secure the first US Open main-draw win of his career.

From BBC

When federal officers set up a vehicle checkpoint along the 14th Street Northwest corridor this week, hecklers shouted, “Go home, fascists” and “Get off our streets.”

From Los Angeles Times

MLB confirmed that the heckler had been ejected from the stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dissident 
• militant