Background for blackmail

blackmail

/ˈblækmeɪl/

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noun

The extortion of money by threats of public accusation, exposure, or censure.

Examples :

"The politician resigned after facing blackmail for hiding a past affair. "

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noun

A form of protection money (or corn, cattle, etc.) anciently paid, in the north of England and south of Scotland, to the allies of robbers in order to be spared from pillage.

Examples :

"The villagers paid blackmail to the band of raiders to prevent their homes from being looted. "

history police value property economy

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noun

Black rent, or rent paid in corn, meat, or the lowest coin, as opposed to white rent, which was paid in silver.

Examples :

"The landlord demanded black mail, not silver, for the use of the farm. "

property economy history

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noun

Compromising material that can be used to extort someone, dirt.

Examples :

"The blackmail threatened to ruin his reputation. "

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verb

To extort money or favors from (a person) by exciting fears of injury other than bodily harm, such as injury to reputation, distress of mind, false accusation, etc.

Examples :

"He blackmailed a businesswoman by threatening to expose an alleged fraud."

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verb

(Kenya) To speak ill of someone; to defame someone.

Examples :

"The gossip spread quickly that Sarah had stolen money from the school fund, and some students were blackmailing her, spreading rumors to get her in trouble. "

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