Meaning
To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
Transferred usage of Middle English hekelen (“to comb flax or hemp with a heckle”), from hekele (“a comb for flax or hemp”), from Middle Dutch hekelen (“to prickle, irritate”), from Proto-West Germanic *hakilōn, from Proto-Germanic *hakilōną, related to *hakô (“hook”). Doublet of hatchel. Related to hackle.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
cheerincite
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles: