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Blackmail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blackmail

[ˈblakmeɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

The action, treated as a criminal offense, of demanding money from a person in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information about that person.

Synonyms

extortion, intimidation, threat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blackmail

Used when someone is demanding money or another benefit from someone in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information.

  • He was a victim of blackmail and had to pay a large sum to keep the scandal a secret.
  • She threatened to blackmail him with those incriminating photos.
extortion

Refers to the act of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. More commonly used in a legal or formal context.

  • The businessman was arrested for extortion after demanding money in exchange for 'protection'.
  • Extortion charges were brought against the corrupt officials.
threat

Used to indicate an intention to inflict harm or punishment if certain demands are not met. It is a broad term and can be used in various contexts, including verbal altercations or legal scenarios.

  • He made a threat to harm her if she didn't cooperate.
  • The company received a bomb threat and evacuated the building.
intimidation

Involves making someone fearful or overawed to make them do what is wanted, often used in personal interactions or bullying contexts.

  • She used intimidation tactics to get her co-workers to comply with her demands.
  • The witness was subjected to intimidation to deter him from testifying.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for attempting to blackmail a wealthy businessman.
  • The politician was caught in a blackmail scandal.
Context #2 | Verb

crime

To demand money or other benefits from someone in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information about that person.

Synonyms

extort, intimidate, threaten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blackmail

Blackmail is used when someone demands money, services, or something else of value from someone by threatening to reveal damaging information about them.

  • He attempted to blackmail his boss by threatening to expose their illegal activities.
  • She was a victim of blackmail, with the blackmailer demanding thousands of dollars.
extort

Extort describes the act of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. It often involves physical violence or threats of harm.

  • The gang would extort money from local businesses, threatening to harm their families if they didn't pay.
  • They tried to extort a large sum from the millionaire by threatening to kidnap his children.
threaten

Threaten means to state one's intention to harm or do something unpleasant to someone, often to make them act in a certain way. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from minor to severe.

  • She threatened to call the police if he didn't leave her property.
  • The criminal threatened the witness to prevent them from testifying.
intimidate

Intimidate refers to making someone feel scared or threatened, especially to achieve compliance or assert power over them. It does not always involve demands but is about creating fear.

  • The bully would intimidate younger students into giving him their lunch money.
  • He used his position to intimidate the employees into silence.

Examples of usage

  • The criminal attempted to blackmail the CEO of the company.
  • She was being blackmailed with threats of exposure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Aspects

  • Blackmail is considered a serious criminal offense in many countries, punishable by imprisonment.
  • The legal definition often varies, but it usually includes threats to reveal sensitive information.
  • Victims of blackmail can report incidents to law enforcement, who can investigate and prosecute offenders.

Pop Culture

  • Blackmail frequently appears in movies and literature, often as a plot device to create tension or conflict.
  • Famous works like Hitchcock's 'North by Northwest' feature blackmail as a pivotal element of the storyline.
  • In video games, such as 'Grand Theft Auto', blackmail tactics can be part of mission strategies.

Psychological Impact

  • Being a victim can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness due to the pressure of secrecy.
  • Blackmail can create a toxic power dynamic between the blackmailer and the victim, often exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • The fear of exposure can cause significant stress and can disrupt normal life for affected individuals.

Historical Context

  • Some of the earliest recorded cases of blackmail date back to feudal systems where lords would threaten to harm vassals.
  • Throughout history, notable figures have been blackmailed, leading to scandals that shaped public sentiment.
  • In the 20th century, law enforcement began cracking down on organized crime related to blackmail operations.

Origin of 'blackmail'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'black' (suggesting illegality or immorality) and 'mail' (which historically meant payment).
  • It originally referred to payments made to criminals for protection in Scotland, often called 'black rent'.
  • The word gained popularity in the 19th century, reflecting its growing association with coercion.

The term 'blackmail' originated in the mid-16th century, combining 'black' in the sense of 'evil' or 'sinister' with 'mail' meaning 'payment.' It originally referred to protection money paid to marauders or to extortion in general. Over time, it evolved to specifically denote the act of demanding money or other benefits under threat of revealing damaging information.

See also: black, blackbird, blackboard, blacken, blackened, blackening, blackhead, blacklist, blackness, blackout.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,705, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.