blackmail
noun
any payment extorted by intimidation, as by threats of injurious revelations or accusations.
blackmailer
-
a word derived from
blackmail.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Not a bad legacy, considering George Downing is summarized by his biographer thus: “Liar, blackmailer, seducer and thief, this double-dealing shapeshifter would betray both friends and principles without a moment’s misgiving.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026
Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana recounted recent comments by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that Epstein was "the greatest blackmailer ever".
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2025
According to Aron, a federal criminal investigation ultimately led to the arrest of the blackmailer, who Aron says was convicted of a felony and spent nearly a year in jail.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2023
She is left with few allies, the principle of whom being the blackmailer that got her into this situation.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 29, 2022
“Maybe not,” said the Prime Minister, standing up and striding about the room, “but I would have put all my efforts into catching the blackmailer before he committed any such atrocity!”
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
