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

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

Kyle's family described him as "brilliant" and a "troublemaker", adding "his personality shone right through".

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

“Furry little troublemakers. This one is no exception. He tends to cause chaos wherever he goes.”

From Literature

With the bored indifference that cats exhibit even when they are doing as they have been told, the feline troublemaker moseyed over to Cassiopeia and allowed herself to be picked up.

From Literature

Related Words

• agitator