Pronunciation

/ˈblækmeɪl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun / Verb

Definition

Blackmail is the act of demanding money, property, or services from someone in exchange for not revealing compromising or damaging information about them, often as a form of coercion or extortion.

Examples

1. “The blackmailer threatened to expose the politician’s secret if he didn’t pay up.”

2. “She was accused of blackmailing her boss by threatening to leak sensitive company documents.”

Additional Information

Blackmail is illegal and punishable by law in many jurisdictions, as it involves exploiting someone’s vulnerabilities or fears for personal gain.