blackmail

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "blackmail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone threatens to reveal damaging information about you unless you give them money, or do something else that they demand. For example: "The criminal was caught attempting to blackmail a business executive, threatening to release confidential information unless he was paid a large sum of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because Republicans are trying, for the third time since he took office, to use economic blackmail to achieve a goal they lack the votes to achieve through the normal legislative process.

The New York Times

There have been persistent claims from boys abused at Kincora and human rights organisations that military intelligence and the RUC knew about the rape of children in care but used the information to blackmail the paedophiles, forcing them to spy on fellow loyalists.

The Guardian

But the ex-dictator, Arius, sends his hoodlums to kidnap Matrix's daughter in order to blackmail him into (singlehandedly) deposing the current president of Val Verde.

The Guardian - Film

Let that sink in for one second While the plot moves at breakneck speed through betrayal, blackmail, murder attempts and sex tapes, the script of The Royals is packed full of lines made for social media.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If so, the gambit would go down badly as a crude blackmail attempt.

The Guardian

After controversies about blackmail plots concerning the team's captain and Twitter debates on the minimum wage, it is time for England's cricketers to do their talking on the field – starting with Friday's winner-takes-all Tri-Series match against India.

The Guardian - Sport

A clear policy of subsidising land for the poorest would reduce the ability of municipal authorities to blackmail slum dwellers' politically and financially.

The Guardian

The police's recent involvement in the case followed intense pressure for action – including from the head of the Law Society, Desmond Hudson, who said Wonga's "dishonest activity" could amount to blackmail and deception.

The Guardian - Money

Hubberstey described such blackmail as fairly common, and Champion described it as an effective controlling mechanism.

The Guardian

Such sticks and carrots might be effective – but they are not always available (once you are in Schengen, you're in), and they can look more like one-off blackmail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Adelson accused Jacobs of "squealing like a pig to the government" and of blackmail in taking his accusations to the US authorities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blackmail", ensure the context clearly indicates the threat of revealing damaging information if demands are not met. This ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "blackmail" to describe situations where there is no threat of revealing private or damaging information. Simple negotiation or pressure, without such a threat, does not constitute blackmail.

Linguistic Context

The word "blackmail" functions primarily as a noun referring to the act of extortion or coercion involving threats to reveal damaging information. It can also function as a verb, describing the action of extorting someone in this manner. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "blackmail" is a very common word, functioning as both a noun and a verb, used to describe or accuse someone of using threats to gain something. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it carries a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, emphasizing its association with extortion through threats of revealing damaging information. When using "blackmail", ensure the context clearly involves such threats to avoid misinterpretation. Alternatives like "extortion" and "coercion" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extortion

Focuses specifically on the act of obtaining something through force or threats.

coercion

Emphasizes the use of pressure to force someone to act against their will.

compulsion

Highlights the irresistible force driving someone's actions.

duress

Stresses the constraint or hardship imposed on someone.

intimidation

Focuses on creating fear to control someone's behavior.

shakedown

Implies a forceful demand for money or favors.

pressuring

Suggests applying persistent influence to achieve a desired outcome.

twisting someone's arm

An idiomatic expression for persuading someone against their initial inclination.

leveraging information

Highlights the use of sensitive data for manipulative purposes.

arm-twisting

Emphasizes the use of strong persuasion tactics.

FAQs

How is "blackmail" typically used in a sentence?

"Blackmail" is used to describe the act of demanding something, usually money or a favor, from someone by threatening to reveal damaging information about them. For instance, "The criminal attempted to "blackmail" the politician by threatening to expose his affair."

What are some alternative words for "blackmail"?

Alternatives include "extortion", "coercion", and "shakedown". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

What distinguishes "blackmail" from simple negotiation?

"Blackmail" involves a threat to reveal damaging or private information if demands are not met. Negotiation, on the other hand, involves a discussion of terms and conditions without such threats. "Coercion" might be present in a negotiation, but the threat of exposure is specific to blackmail.

When is it appropriate to use the term "blackmail"?

Use "blackmail" only when there is a clear threat to reveal sensitive information unless certain demands are fulfilled. Using it loosely can lead to misrepresentation and legal inaccuracies, since "blackmail" is also a specific crime.