blackmail

/ˌblækˈmeɪl/

/ˈblækmeɪl/

Other forms: blackmailing; blackmailed; blackmails

To blackmail someone is to use secret information to get something from them, usually money. Blackmailing is a crime.

Blackmail is a type of threat. For example, if a politician's assistant knew the politician was having an affair, the assistant could blackmail the politician by threatening to tell the press. Blackmailers usually want money in return for keeping something a secret, but an employee with dirt on a boss could blackmail the boss to get a promotion. Anyone making threats and demands in return for keeping a secret is engaged in blackmail.

Definitions of blackmail

1. noun

   extortion of money by threats to divulge discrediting information
   type of:

   extortion

   the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)
2. verb

   obtain through threats
   type of:

   extort

   obtain through intimidation
3. verb

   exert pressure on someone through threats
   synonyms: blackjack, pressure

   type of:

   act upon, influence, work

   have and exert influence or effect