troublemaker

American  

[truhb-uhl-mey-ker] / ˈtrʌb əlˌmeɪ kər /

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 British  

/ ˈtrʌbəlˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who makes trouble, esp between people

---

Other Word Forms

• troublemaking noun

Etymology

Origin of troublemaker

First recorded in 1910–15; trouble + maker

Example Sentences

Trying to find Maximus a home, animal rescuers posted repeatedly on Instagram days before the 1-year-old dog bit Horta, describing him as a “handsome misunderstood pup” and a “young troublemaker” in danger of being euthanized.

From Los Angeles Times

“Tsotsi,” director Gavin Hood’s film about a young troublemaker who carjacks a vehicle only to find a baby inside, racked up South Africa’s first-ever Oscar win in the international feature category.

From Los Angeles Times

"You," he said to the dragon, "are a troublemaker. And you have bad taste."

From Literature

Local media coverage of the demonstrations has varied, with some outlets focusing on economic difficulties, and others on incidents caused by "troublemakers".

From Barron's

Transport for West Midlands promises greater use of drone cameras and AI technology, capable of recognising known troublemakers and even identifying concealed weapons.

From BBC

Related Words

• agitator