blackmail
blackmail Lexical Profile
blackmail Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The crime or act of demanding money, property, or favors from someone in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information.
"The former official was arrested and charged with blackmail after demanding a hefty sum to keep the scandal quiet."
The use of threats, manipulation, or moral pressure to influence someone's behavior or force compliance.
"Resorting to emotional blackmail is an unhealthy way to resolve disagreements within a family."
• verb
To demand money or another benefit from someone in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information about them.
"The hacker attempted to blackmail the corporation by threatening to leak confidential client records."
To force or pressure someone into doing something by using threats or unfair manipulation.
"She refused to be blackmailed into signing the unfavorable contract under such sudden pressure."
Word Nuance & Usage
In legal and precise usage, 'blackmail' specifically involves threatening to reveal damaging or embarrassing information unless demands are met, whereas 'extortion' more broadly covers obtaining money or property through any form of coercion, force, or threat.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the 16th-century Scottish Borders, the word combines 'black' (signifying evil or illicit) with Middle English 'male' (meaning rent or tribute, from Old English 'mal' and Old Norse 'mal', meaning agreement or speech), referring to protection money paid to clan chiefs to prevent pillaging.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.