脅迫
The act of intimidating or threatening someone with harm to their person, reputation, or property in order to force them to do something. In a legal context, it refers to the crime of intimidation or coercion through the use of fear.
Examples
3 of 5彼は誰かに脅迫されていると警察に言った。
He told the police that he was being threatened by someone.
被告人は被害者に対する脅迫の疑いで逮捕されました。
The defendant was arrested on suspicion of intimidating the victim.
それって、ほとんど脅迫じゃない?
Isn't that basically a threat?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the first kanji 脅: it has three 'power' symbols (力) over 'flesh/body' (月). Imagine three strong people putting pressure on your body to scare you.
Quick Quiz
犯人は、警察に通報したら家族を殺すと___状を送ってきた。
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
彼は誰かに脅迫されていると警察に言った。
everydayHe told the police that he was being threatened by someone.
被告人は被害者に対する脅迫の疑いで逮捕されました。
formalThe defendant was arrested on suspicion of intimidating the victim.
それって、ほとんど脅迫じゃない?
informalIsn't that basically a threat?
本研究では、SNSにおける脅迫行為の心理的メカニズムを分析する。
academicThis study analyzes the psychological mechanisms of threatening behavior on social media.
取引先からの脅迫まがいの要求には応じられません。
businessWe cannot comply with demands from a client that are akin to threats.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
脅迫まがい
tantamount to a threat / bordering on intimidation
脅迫状
blackmail letter / threatening letter
脅迫観念
obsessive thought (though '強迫' is more common here)
Often Confused With
Pronounced the same (kyōhaku), but 強迫 refers to internal obsession or legal duress, while 脅迫 refers to external threats/intimidation.
脅す (odosu) is the native Japanese verb form used in daily conversation, whereas 脅迫 is more formal and legal.
Usage Notes
This word is highly formal and carries serious legal weight. It should be used when discussing crimes or very serious interpersonal confrontations rather than lighthearted teasing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use this word for 'scaring' someone as a prank. For jokes or light scares, use '驚かす' (odorakasu) instead.
Memory Tip
Look at the first kanji 脅: it has three 'power' symbols (力) over 'flesh/body' (月). Imagine three strong people putting pressure on your body to scare you.
Word Origin
Derived from the characters 脅 (to threaten/frighten) and 迫 (to urge/press/approach).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'Kyōhaku-zai' (The Crime of Intimidation) is a specific offense under the Penal Code, often mentioned in news reports regarding stalking or organized crime.
Quick Quiz
犯人は、警察に通報したら家族を殺すと___状を送ってきた。
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
抗争
A1A serious struggle or conflict between opposing groups, factions, or organizations. It often implies a prolonged period of resistance, power struggles, or violent feuding.
平和
A1A state of harmony and the absence of conflict, war, or disturbance. It is used to describe both global stability between nations and a quiet, tranquil personal lifestyle or environment.
和平
A1和平 (wahei) refers to a state of peace or the restoration of peace, specifically in a diplomatic or formal context between conflicting parties. Unlike the more general word for peace (平和), it often implies the process of ending a war or dispute through negotiation.
休戦
A1A temporary cessation of fighting or conflict by mutual agreement; a truce or armistice. It indicates a period where parties agree to stop hostile actions, whether in a literal war or a metaphorical argument.
停戦
A1A temporary cessation of fighting or a ceasefire agreement between opposing forces in a conflict. It is used when parties agree to stop hostilities to allow for negotiations, humanitarian aid, or the permanent end of a war.
組織
A1Soshiki refers to a structured group of people working together for a specific purpose, such as a company, institution, or system. It can also refer to biological tissue in a medical or scientific context, describing how cells are arranged.
協会
A1An organized group of people who have the same interest, job, or purpose. It is commonly used for professional bodies, sports leagues, or non-profit organizations that represent a collective interest.
学会
A1An academic society or a professional organization where scholars and researchers share their findings. It also commonly refers to the specific academic conferences or meetings organized by these groups.
法人
A1A legal entity or organization, such as a company or non-profit, that is recognized by law as having rights and duties similar to those of a person. It distinguishes a group or institution from an individual human being in legal and business matters.
組合
A1A formal organization or association formed by individuals or groups with a common interest, most commonly referring to a labor union or a cooperative. It describes a collective body where members work together to achieve shared social, economic, or professional goals.
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