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blackmail
noun
Examples of blackmail in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blackmail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing blackmail
Dictionary Entries Near blackmail
Cite this Entry
“Blackmail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackmail. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
blackmail
nounfrom black (the color) and mail "rent, payment," from Old English māl "agreement," of Norse origin
Legal Definition
blackmail
nounoriginally, payment extorted from farmers in Scotland and northern England, from black + dialectal mail payment, rent
More from Merriam-Webster on blackmail
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for blackmail
Nglish: Translation of blackmail for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of blackmail for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about blackmail
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