English Dictionary
Definition blackmail in British English
blackmail
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
[transitive]
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
/ˈblækˌmeɪl/
1
to make someone give you money or do what you want by threatening to tell people embarrassing information about them
Example
Susannah claims she was blackmailed into helping the men with the robbery.
Synonyms and related words
2
to use threats to persuade a person or government to do what you want
Example
The Prime Minister has said his government will not be blackmailed by the rebels.
Synonyms and related words
