blackmail
noun
any payment extorted by intimidation, as by threats of injurious revelations or accusations.
is blackmailing
-
present progressiveof blackmail (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
With all the intrepid sports reporters on the Times’ staff, I am surprised that nobody has uncovered the story that Michael Conforto is blackmailing either Andrew Friedman or Dave Roberts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2025
Some is blackmailing the author W. Somerset Maugham and he asks Bernie Gunther to investigate.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 6, 2016
Tell the manager of the club who this guy is, that he is blackmailing you, and you would like him banned.
From Slate ● Feb. 21, 2012
"So you think your competition is blackmailing you," Duncan offered.
From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Winn Schwartau
"I never said it wasn't; but it is blackmailing perfected into a system."
From Caught in the Net by Émile Gaboriau
