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heckle - To interrupt (a public speaker) with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse

When the woman heckled the comedian, he stopped his routine to insult her so cleverly, that she regretted starting up with him.

adjective

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pugnacious - Having a tendency or desire to fight or argue with other people

Jerry's general pugnacious attitude made it difficult for him to get close to people.

verb

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taunt - To provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks

The bully taunted Nico so much that it made him depressed.

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berate - To criticize someone in an angry manner

When the private acted in an inappropriate way, his officer berated him to give him the message clearly not to act that way again.

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ostracize - To banish someone socially, making them feel isolated or unwanted.

He felt ostracized at work after speaking out against the company’s policies, and many people refused to speak to him.

adjective

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dismissive - Showing that one doesn't think a person or thing is important or worth considering

Fred didn't mind not getting the job as much as the dismissive way the employer told him.

adjective

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fractious - (of a group or organization) difficult to control; unruly

Kaitlin's children were a fractious group that were always fighting in the back seat.

verb

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polarize - To divide into two completely opposing groups

It's frightening to see how many issues have caused the US to polarize into Right and Left groups that hate each other.

noun

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adversary - An enemy or opponent

Batman and the Joker were adversaries of each other, and it was interesting to follow how each tried to use strategy to outsmart each other.

verb

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belittle - To speak about someone or something in a way that shows little respect.

A good rule of interpersoanl relationships is: Don’t belittle others just to make yourself feel better.

adjective

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contentious - Likely to cause disagreement or argument

When the parents invited the whole clan for Thanksgiving, they asked everyone to try to get along, and to avoid discussing contentious topics.

noun

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slur - An insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them or damage their reputation

While running for mayor, Arnie ignored the constant slurs against him by the local press, as if it was beneath his dignity to pay any attention to it.