blackmail
noun
any payment extorted by intimidation, as by threats of injurious revelations or accusations.
blackmailed
-
past participleof blackmail.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof blackmail.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
blackmailnounany payment extorted by intimidation, as by threats of injurious revelations or accusations.
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.
"Anyone who tries to sabotage our critical infrastructure and paralyse society is attacking all of us. But we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed or intimidated by criminal activity."
From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026
Berlin is being blackmailed by hackers who were able to compromise city systems and steal data earlier this month, its mayor has said.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
Worse, the patients were the ones feeling emotionally blackmailed into donating money.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
“I have never paid Epstein for access to women. I was never blackmailed by Epstein. I was not involved with, and had no knowledge of, any of Epstein’s heinous conduct.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
“You’re telling me that Dusty Muleman blackmailed the government’s lawyers?”
From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen
