Blackmail
/ˈblækmeɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of threatening to reveal embarrassing or damaging information about someone unless they give you money or do something for you.
/ˈblækmeɪl/
The act of extorting money or other things of value by threats.
She was the victim of blackmail.
💡 Simply: Getting money or something by threatening someone.
More Examples
The blackmail attempt failed.
How It's Used
"He was arrested on charges of blackmail."
"The gang used blackmail to control the local businesses."
To threaten someone to make them do something they don't want to do, typically to get money or other benefits.
/ˈblækmeɪl/
To extort money or other things of value by threats.
He was blackmailed into giving up his business.
💡 Simply: To threaten someone to get something from them.
More Examples
They tried to blackmail her with the photograph.
How It's Used
"The villain blackmailed the politician."
From Middle English *blacmail, literally "black payment". Initially referred to a form of protection money paid to avoid harm, evolving to encompass the modern definition involving threats.
Historically, blackmail involved a form of protection money, often paid to avoid harm.
Memory tip
Black as in secretive, and mail as in delivering a damaging message.