blackmailer
A person who demands money, favors, or specific actions from someone by threatening to reveal damaging secrets or private information about them. It refers to an individual who practices extortion through psychological or reputational leverage.
Examples
3 of 5She realized her former friend was a blackmailer when he asked for money to keep her past mistakes a secret.
She realized her former friend was a blackmailer when he asked for money to keep her past mistakes a secret.
The court heard testimony identifying the defendant as a professional blackmailer who targeted high-ranking officials.
The court heard testimony identifying the defendant as a professional blackmailer who targeted high-ranking officials.
Don't let that blackmailer get to you; he has no real power if you tell the truth first.
Don't let that blackmailer get to you; he has no real power if you tell the truth first.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a person sending a 'black' (dark/evil) 'mail' (letter) containing a secret that will 'mail' you to a difficult situation.
Quick Quiz
The politician's career was ruined after a ___ leaked private documents to the press after his demands weren't met.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blackmailer
Examples
She realized her former friend was a blackmailer when he asked for money to keep her past mistakes a secret.
everydayShe realized her former friend was a blackmailer when he asked for money to keep her past mistakes a secret.
The court heard testimony identifying the defendant as a professional blackmailer who targeted high-ranking officials.
formalThe court heard testimony identifying the defendant as a professional blackmailer who targeted high-ranking officials.
Don't let that blackmailer get to you; he has no real power if you tell the truth first.
informalDon't let that blackmailer get to you; he has no real power if you tell the truth first.
Sociological research suggests that the blackmailer often exploits power imbalances within social hierarchies.
academicSociological research suggests that the blackmailer often exploits power imbalances within social hierarchies.
The corporation's security team successfully blocked a cyber blackmailer who had gained access to sensitive client data.
businessThe corporation's security team successfully blocked a cyber blackmailer who had gained access to sensitive client data.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
fall victim to a blackmailer
to be targeted and harmed by someone demanding money for secrets
emotional blackmailer
someone who uses guilt or fear to control a person's behavior
refuse to negotiate with a blackmailer
to decline any demands made by an extortionist
Often Confused With
An extortionist might use physical force or violence, while a blackmailer specifically uses secrets or information.
A whistleblower exposes secrets for the public good, whereas a blackmailer hides or reveals them for personal profit.
Usage Notes
The word is most commonly used in legal, journalistic, or dramatic contexts. It can also be used metaphorically in personal relationships to describe manipulative behavior.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'blackmail' (the noun/verb) when they mean 'blackmailer' (the person). Ensure you use the '-er' suffix when referring to the individual.
Memory Tip
Think of a person sending a 'black' (dark/evil) 'mail' (letter) containing a secret that will 'mail' you to a difficult situation.
Word Origin
Derived from 'black' (meaning illicit or evil) and the Middle English 'mail' (meaning rent or tribute).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The blackmailer is a classic character archetype in 'film noir' and detective novels, representing the threat of social ruin.
Quick Quiz
The politician's career was ruined after a ___ leaked private documents to the press after his demands weren't met.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blackmailer
Related Words
complement
A2A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.
compound
A2Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.
conceive
A2To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.
confer
A2To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.
conform
A2To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.
consecutive
A2Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).
consistency
A2Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.
disclude
B1Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.
antiformous
B1Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.
interspect
B1Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.
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