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Blackmailer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blackmailer

[ˈblækˌmeɪlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal behavior

A person who demands money or other benefits from someone in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information about them.

Synonyms

blackguard, extortionist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blackmailer

A 'blackmailer' is someone who demands money or favors from someone else by threatening to reveal one's secrets or other sensitive information.

  • The politician was a victim of a blackmailer who threatened to expose his past indiscretions.
  • She received a letter from a blackmailer demanding $10,000.
extortionist

An 'extortionist' is someone who obtains money, property, or services from another through coercion or threats. The term is often used in legal or serious criminal contexts.

  • The police arrested the extortionist who had been demanding money from local business owners.
  • The company paid the extortionist to avoid public scandal.
blackguard

'Blackguard' is an old-fashioned term typically used to describe a person who behaves in a dishonorable or contemptible way. It is often used in a literary or dramatic context and doesn't necessarily imply criminal activity.

  • The villain in the novel was depicted as a blackguard, always deceiving and betraying those around him.
  • He is nothing but a lying blackguard!

Examples of usage

  • The blackmailer threatened to release the photos if she didn't pay up.
  • The blackmailer was arrested and charged with extortion.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

A person who uses threats or coercion to compel someone to do something against their will.

Synonyms

bully, coercionist, manipulator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blackmailer

This term is commonly used in legal or criminal contexts where someone demands money or something else of value by threatening to reveal compromising or damaging information about the person if their demands are not met.

  • The blackmailer demanded $50,000 for not leaking the photos online.
  • She went to the police after receiving threats from a blackmailer.
coercionist

Less commonly used, but refers to someone who forces another person to act in an involuntary manner by use of threats, intimidation, or some other form of pressure. Generally used in legal, philosophical, or sociopolitical discussions.

  • A coercionist might threaten someone to sign a document against their will.
  • Activists protested against the coercionist tactics of the regime.
manipulator

Describes someone who influences or controls others to their own advantage, often in a subtle, deceptive way. This term is frequently used in personal relationships, workplace settings, or in psychological discussions.

  • She realized too late that he was a manipulator and had been using her for his own benefit.
  • In the meeting, he tried to be a manipulator by twisting the facts to get everyone's support.
bully

Used to describe someone who intimidates or mistreats others, often in a school, work, or social setting. The intimidation can be physical, verbal, or emotional, and is usually aimed at exploiting power dynamics to control or hurt someone.

  • The bully pushed the smaller kids around and took their lunch money.
  • Employees complained about a manager who they described as a bully.

Examples of usage

  • The blackmailer forced him to do things he didn't want to do.
  • She felt like a blackmailer when she manipulated her friend into helping her.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated in the 16th century, combining 'black' for threats or wrongdoing and 'mail' referencing payment or compensation.
  • Early forms of extortion often involved actual letters being sent, hence the 'mailer' part, indicating a correspondence that threatened harm.

Legal Implications

  • In many countries, blackmail is considered a serious crime, often leading to significant jail time, as it undermines personal freedom.
  • Proving blackmail can be complex in court; evidence of the threat and demand for payment is essential.

Pop Culture

  • Blackmail has been a popular theme in movies and novels, creating suspense and drama, like in films such as 'Chinatown' and 'Blackmail'.
  • Famous literary characters, such as those in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, often dealt with blackmail situations.

Psychological Effects

  • Victims of blackmail often experience fear, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness, impacting their mental health significantly.
  • The act of being threatened can lead to feelings of betrayal, especially if the information is related to personal secrets.

Digital Era Challenges

  • With the rise of the internet, online blackmail, such as cyber extortion, has become more prevalent, affecting many individuals and businesses.
  • Social media platforms are increasingly targeted for blackmail, where personal information can be used as leverage.

Origin of 'blackmailer'

The term 'blackmailer' originated in the mid-16th century, derived from 'black' meaning evil or harmful, and 'male,' which is related to speech or conversation. It originally referred to a person who extorted money by threatening to expose secrets or damaging information.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,020 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.