blackmail
Translation
to blackmail, to extort
Examples
He tried to blackmail her for money.
He tried to blackmail her for money.
She was blackmailed into signing the contract.
She was blackmailed into signing the contract.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to blackmail (sb.) He tried to blackmail her.
((sb.)) ((for sth.)) to blackmail (sb.) for (sth.) He tried to blackmail her for money.
((sb.)) ((into -ing)) to blackmail (sb.) into doing (sth.) She was blackmailed into signing the contract.
Similar Words
Synonyms: extort, threaten, coerce
Etymology
From 'black' + 'mail'. 'Mail' is an old word for rent or tribute. 'Blackmail' was originally a tribute paid to raiders for protection.
Memory Tips
Imagine receiving a 'black' letter (mail) with a threat inside.