Blackmail

Blackmail is a criminal offense that involves coercing an individual or entity to act against their will by threatening to expose sensitive information or by using other forms of intimidation. The term often connotes the use of extortion to gain money, services, or compliance from the victim, exploiting a position of power or knowledge.

Blackmail meaning with examples

• After discovering his embarrassing secret, James used blackmail to force his coworker to give him a promotion. Every time she hesitated, he reminded her of what he knew, leaving her feeling trapped and fearful of the repercussions if she reported him to their manager.
• The famous actor was a victim of blackmail when an unknown individual threatened to leak intimate photos if she didn't pay a hefty sum of money. Struggling with the decision, she contemplated going to the police but feared that the public fallout would damage her career irreparably.
• In a tense courtroom drama, the defendant’s lawyer revealed that the charges of blackmail were based on fabrications. The prosecution attempted to prove that the defendant had coerced a witness, but his alibi and lack of motive cast doubt on the legitimacy of the accusations.
• The CEO discovered that a disgruntled employee was attempting blackmail, demanding a substantial raise in exchange for not leaking confidential company information. Taking immediate action, the CEO contacted law enforcement, leading to an arrest and safeguarding the company’s trade secrets.