BLACKMAIL
Dictionary entry overview: What does blackmail mean?
• BLACKMAIL (noun)
The noun BLACKMAIL has 1 sense:
1. extortion of money by threats to divulge discrediting information
Familiarity information: BLACKMAIL used as a noun is very rare.
• BLACKMAIL (verb)
The verb BLACKMAIL has 2 senses:
1. exert pressure on someone through threats
2. obtain through threats
Familiarity information: BLACKMAIL used as a verb is rare.
Dictionary entry details
• BLACKMAIL (noun)
Meaning:
Extortion of money by threats to divulge discrediting information
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("blackmail" is a kind of...):
extortion (the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence))
• BLACKMAIL (verb)
Meaning:
Exert pressure on someone through threats
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Synonyms:
blackjack; blackmail; pressure
Hypernyms (to "blackmail" is one way to...):
act upon; influence; work (have and exert influence or effect)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody
Sentence example:
They blackmail him to write the letter
Meaning:
Obtain through threats
Classified under:
Verbs of buying, selling, owning
Hypernyms (to "blackmail" is one way to...):
extort (obtain through intimidation)
Domain category:
crime; law-breaking ((criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s somebody
