blackmail

[blak-meyl] / ˈblækˌmeɪl /

NOUN

intimidation for money; money to quiet informer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bribe bribery extortion

STRONG

exaction milking payoff protection ransom tribute

WEAK

hush money slush fund

VERB

intimidating for money

Synonyms

STRONGEST

badger coerce extort

STRONG

bleed compel demand exact force milk ransom shake squeeze threaten

WEAK

hold to ransom put the shake on shake down

Antonyms

STRONG

give save

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The model tried to blackmail AI engineers when told it will be shut down.

From The Wall Street Journal

Park has denied these allegations and sued the former managers for blackmail, her agency said over the weekend.

From BBC

A South Korean court has sentenced a woman who blackmailed football star Son Heung-min to four years in prison.

From BBC

Some are still stuck there, and Vilnius has accused Minsk of "blackmail" over millions of euros in stranded goods.

From Barron's

Her assistant Esme confronts her about her conduct, using the information to blackmail her in an unexpected way.

From The Wall Street Journal