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blackmailthe practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈblækmeɪl/

Korean meaning: 협박, 갈취 (위협을 통해 돈이나 이익을 얻는 행위)

Korean pronunciation: **블랙**메일

Example Sentences

  • She tried to blackmail her ex-boyfriend with their old photos, but he just posted them on social media himself.
  • The detective uncovered a complex blackmail operation targeting wealthy businessmen.
  • My mom uses emotional blackmail every time I don't call her: 'I guess you don't love me anymore!'

blackmail

NOUN

//ˈblækmeɪl//

the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats

blackmail concept
💡 Concept

a shadowy figure in a dark coat holds up photographs while pointing menacingly at a well-dressed businessman. The businessman looks terrified and frantically reaches into his wallet with shaking hands. The threatening person gestures aggressively while keeping the photos just visible enough to show they contain compromising images. The businessman pulls out cash and hands it over reluctantly while looking around nervously. Other people walking by in the distance seem unaware of the sinister exchange happening in the shadows. the practice of obtaining money through force or threats

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈblækmeɪl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈblækmeɪl/

🌳Etymology

Rootblack + mail

Origin

From 16th-century Scotland, where border chiefs collected illegal tribute payments. The term combined 'black' (meaning evil or illicit) with 'mail' (an old word for rent or tribute).

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🎵Rhyme

femaleretailwholesaleemail
female
retail
wholesale
email

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📝Examples

😄 Fun example

She tried to blackmail her ex-boyfriend with their old photos, but he just posted them on social media himself.

The detective uncovered a complex blackmail operation targeting wealthy businessmen.

😄 Fun example

My mom uses emotional blackmail every time I don't call her: 'I guess you don't love me anymore!'

The company CEO was arrested for attempting to blackmail a competitor.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

extortioncoercionintimidationthreatsexploitation

Antonyms

persuasionnegotiationcooperation

Related

briberycorruptionmanipulationransomthreat