blackmail
noun
any payment extorted by intimidation, as by threats of injurious revelations or accusations.
blackmailing
-
present participleof blackmail.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Some have suggested that Moreno had been silent because Miller was blackmailing him.
From Slate ● Aug. 3, 2026
Bondi is under fire after she said last week there was no evidence Epstein kept a "client list" or was blackmailing powerful figures.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2025
“They’re blackmailing me,” Ms. Navalnaya said in a video posted on her son’s YouTube channel.
From New York Times ● Feb. 22, 2024
In Sam Mendes’ 1999 film, “American Beauty,” Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, kicks off a corporate blackmailing scheme that ultimately leaves him with a $60,000 pay-out.
From Salon ● Dec. 9, 2023
“So he’s been blackmailing Queen Orlagh,” Dain says, and the Roach and I look over at him.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
