BLACKMAIL


Meaning of BLACKMAIL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈblak-ˌmā(ə)l ]

noun

Etymology: black + mail (I)

Date: 1552

1. : a tribute anciently exacted on the Scottish border by plundering chiefs in exchange for immunity from pillage

2.

a. : extortion or coercion by threats especially of public exposure or criminal prosecution

b. : the payment that is extorted

• blackmail transitive verb

• black·mail·er noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.