blackmail
any payment extorted by intimidation, as by threats of injurious revelations or accusations.
the extortion of such payment: He confessed rather than suffer the dishonor of blackmail.
a tribute formerly exacted in the north of England and in Scotland by freebooting chiefs for protection from pillage.
to extort money from (a person) by the use of threats.
to force or coerce into a particular action, statement, etc.: The strikers claimed they were blackmailed into signing the new contract.
Origin of blackmail
1Other words from blackmail
- blackmailer, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use blackmail in a sentence
No shame and desperation to drive a teammate to hand over money or the playbook to a blackmailer.
On the other hand, the risk to the blackmailer becomes very large if the victim chooses to remain steadfast.
You may wonder how I have dared thus to brave an assassin, a blackmailer.
The Diamond Coterie | Lawrence L. LynchAnd, in sum, what more loathsome and poisonous animal exists in the world than a blackmailer?
Forging the Blades | Bertram MitfordBut I honestly do believe the man you want me to pick up and then introduce to you to be a successful blackmailer.
December Love | Robert Hichens
But if you come along to the studio to-morrow afternoon you may possibly find me at work on a blackmailer.
December Love | Robert HichensHe had a retentive memory, and had not forgotten Dick Garstin's extraordinary remark about the blackmailer.
December Love | Robert Hichens
British Dictionary definitions for blackmail
/ (ˈblækˌmeɪl) /
the act of attempting to obtain money by intimidation, as by threats to disclose discreditable information
the exertion of pressure or threats, esp unfairly, in an attempt to influence someone's actions
to exact or attempt to exact (money or anything of value) from (a person) by threats or intimidation; extort
to attempt to influence the actions of (a person), esp by unfair pressure or threats
Origin of blackmail
1Derived forms of blackmail
- blackmailer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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