Harass vs. Heckle — What's the Difference?

Subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation

To try to embarrass and annoy (someone speaking or performing in public) by questions, gibes, or objections; badger.

To subject (another) to hostile or prejudicial remarks or actions; pressure or intimidate.

To comb (flax or hemp) with a hatchel.

To irritate or torment persistently

(transitive) To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.

To make repeated attacks or raids on (an enemy, for example).

(transitive) To insult, tease, make fun of or badger, especially during a comedy performance.

To annoy (someone) frequently or systematically; to pester.

(textiles) To prepare flax for spinning using special combs called hackles

(specifically) To persistently bother (someone, or a group of people) physically or psychologically when such behaviour is illegal and/or unwanted, especially over an extended period.

The long shining feathers on a cock's neck.

To put excessive burdens upon (someone); to subject (someone) to anxieties.

A feather ornament in the full-dress bonnets of Highland regiments.

To trouble (someone, or a group of people) through repeated military-style attacks.

An interruption during a show, especially a comedy performance

(obsolete) Often followed by out: to fatigue or tire (someone) with exhausting and repeated efforts.

Same as Hackle.

(archaic) Harassment; pestering.

To interrogate, or ply with questions, esp. with severity or antagonism, as a candidate for the ministry.

To fatigue; to tire with repeated and exhausting efforts; esp., to weary by importunity, teasing, or fretting; to cause to endure excessive burdens or anxieties; - sometimes followed by out.

To shout questions or jibes at (a public speaker), so as to disconcert him or render his talk ineffective.

Devastation; waste.

A comb for separating flax fibers

Worry; harassment.

Comb with a heckle;

Annoy continually or chronically;

Challenge aggressively

Exhaust by attacking repeatedly;