In the following question, choose the one word which is the best substitute for the given definition: “Interrupt a public speaker with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse.”

Introduction / Context:
One word substitution questions test whether candidates can match precise English words with their definitions. Here the definition describes a specific behavior often seen in political meetings, comedy shows, or public speeches, where audience members interrupt with hostile remarks. Knowing the correct term for this action helps in reading newspapers, reports, and literature where public speaking situations are described.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Definition: “Interrupt a public speaker with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse.”
Options: “Heckle”, “Soothe”, “Allay”, “Dulcify”. We assume the question is about standard modern English, especially in journalistic and general usage contexts.

Concept / Approach:
The key ideas in the definition are “interrupt a public speaker” and “derisive or aggressive comments or abuse”. The word must therefore involve disturbance, criticism, or mockery, not calming or comforting. “Heckle” is the well known verb used when an audience member constantly interrupts a speaker with sarcastic or hostile questions or remarks. The other words are associated with calming, reducing fear, or softening, which are clearly opposite in nature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the verbs that come to mind when imagining a loud audience member disturbing a speech. Step 2: Evaluate “Heckle”. This means to harass or disturb a speaker by shouting questions or insults, exactly matching the definition. Step 3: Evaluate “Soothe”. This means to calm, comfort, or reduce pain or distress, which is the opposite of aggressive interruption. Step 4: Evaluate “Allay”. This means to reduce fear, worry, or suspicion. It is about easing negative feelings, not causing disturbance. Step 5: Evaluate “Dulcify”. This means to make something more gentle, pleasant, or agreeable, again the opposite of abusive comments.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a news report: “The minister was heckled by protesters during his speech.” This sentence is completely natural and accurately describes protesters interrupting with hostile comments. If we replace “heckled” with “soothed”, “allayed”, or “dulcified”, the sentence becomes absurd, because these verbs convey calming or softening, not aggressive interruption. This simple substitution test strongly confirms that “Heckle” is the right one word substitute.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Soothe” is used when someone calms a crying child or comforts a worried friend, not when they shout at a speaker.
“Allay” is used when fears, doubts, or worries are reduced, such as “to allay concerns”, which is again calming rather than provoking.
“Dulcify” means to make something more mild or agreeable, sometimes in taste or in behavior; it does not include shouting or abuse.
None of these words matches the hostile interruption described in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is choosing a word simply because it is unfamiliar and seems technical. Another pitfall is not paying attention to every part of the definition. Words like “allay” and “dulcify” may look advanced but do not contain any idea of interruption or abuse. Always break the definition into its components and ensure the chosen word reflects all essential elements, not just one vague sense.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute is Heckle.