Definition

The act of causing problems or disturbances, often by behaving in a disruptive manner.

Example

His troublemaking led to several arguments among the group.

Conversation

Did you hear about the troublemaking kids at the park yesterday?

Yeah, I saw them throwing rocks and causing chaos.

It's frustrating how some kids just enjoy troublemaking instead of playing nicely.

Totally! I wish they would just find a better way to have fun.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Troublemaking is formed from "trouble" (from Old French *trouble*, meaning disturbance or confusion) and "making" (from Old English *macian*, meaning to make or create). The word refers to the act of creating disturbances or causing problems.

Memory Tip

Think of 'trouble' as creating 'disturbance' and 'making' as the act of creating — so troublemaking means creating disturbances.

Visually Confused Words