heckler

American  

[hek-ler, hek-uh-ler] / ˈhɛk lər, ˈhɛk ə lər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of heckler

heckle ( def. ) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

This framework can have a heckler’s veto problem, since it gives administrators an incentive to amplify protests.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Everyone has a right to peaceful protest, but that must never amount to a heckler's veto, which means shutting down other people's right to speak," she said.

From BBC

There was a reminder before proceedings began that hecklers were not allowed - a nod to the previous time Boris Johnson appeared, when protesters had to be escorted out of the building.

From BBC

Crows cawed from the fields like a gang of hecklers.

From Literature

And the King heard that unhappiness first hand from a heckler in Lichfield this week, who shouted: "How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?"

From BBC

Related Words

• dissident
• militant