Blackmail: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.