verb

barrack

To shout criticism or mockery at someone.

The British crowd began to barrack the visiting speaker.

Etymology

Origin uncertain. The sporting verb for noisy heckling has no secure connection to barracks, military accommodation.

More examples

  • He was barracked with jeers throughout the debate.
  • Several spectators barracked the referee after the disputed call.
  • The comedian answered the people barracking him from the back row.

Forms

barrack · barracks · barracked · barracking

Similar words

heckle
Heckle interrupts with hostile comments; barrack is chiefly British usage for similar shouting or jeering.
jeer
Jeer expresses scorn aloud; barrack often describes sustained hostile shouting at a performer or speaker.