Blackmailing Meaning in English
word · lemma: blackmail
/ˈbɫækˌmeɪɫɪŋ/
BLAK-may-ling
/blˈækmeɪlɪŋ/
BLAK-may-ling
Definition
Using threats, often to reveal secret or embarrassing information, to force someone to do something or give you something.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal or legal contexts. 'Blackmailing' is illegal. Often followed by 'someone' (e.g., 'He is blackmailing her'). Do not confuse with 'bullying' (general intimidation). Can refer to emotional blackmail in relationships.
Spanish: chantajeandoPortuguese (BR): chantageandoPortuguese (PT): chantagearChinese (Simplified): 勒索Chinese (Traditional): 勒索Hindi: ब्लैकमेल करनाArabic: ابتزازBengali: ব্ল্যাকমেইল করা - চাঁদাবাজি করাRussian: шантажироватьJapanese: 脅迫する - 恐喝するVietnamese: tống tiềnKorean: 협박하다Turkish: şantaj yapmakUrdu: بلیک میل کرناIndonesian: memeras - memeras orang
Example Sentences
He is blackmailing his boss for money.
basic
Blackmailing is a serious crime.
basic
They caught him blackmailing a politician.
basic
I found out she was blackmailing him with old photos.
natural
Stop blackmailing your brother every time he makes a mistake.
natural
She used emotional blackmailing to get what she wanted.
natural