blackmail

 
Pronunciation: /ˈblakmeɪl/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action, treated as a criminal offence, of demanding money from someone in return for not revealing compromising information which one has about them: they were acquitted of charges of blackmail [as modifier]: she recounted the blackmail threats
  • money demanded by a person or group engaged in blackmail: we do not pay blackmail
  • the use of threats or the manipulation of someone’s feelings to force them to do something: some people use emotional blackmail

verb

[with object]
  • demand money from (someone) in return for not revealing compromising information about them: they use this fact to blackmail him, trying to force him to vote for their candidate
  • force (someone) to do something by using threats or manipulating their feelings: he had blackmailed her into sailing with him

Derivatives

blackmailer

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century (denoting protection money levied by Scottish chiefs): from black + obsolete mail 'tribute, rent', from Old Norse mál 'speech, agreement'