Spanish Conversation · Level 102
59 words
Spanish word
chantaje
Pronunciation
IPA/tʃanˈtaxe/
Meaning
- masculine nounblackmail
Example
Me hicieron un chantaje por dinero.
I was blackmailed for money.
More examples
No voy a ceder al chantaje de nadie.
I will not give in to anyone's blackmail.
Core concept
Criminal use of threats or pressure to extract payment, favors, or other benefits.
Common phrases
recibir un chantaje
receive blackmail
ceder al chantaje
give in to blackmail
Similar words
extorsión: Extracts money or valuables by threat, force, or misuse of authority.
presión: Applies persistent pressure or urgent demands that compel someone to act.
amenaza: Makes a verbal or implied threat of harm to intimidate someone.
Definition in Spanish
Delito o práctica consistente en exigir dinero u otros beneficios a una persona mediante amenazas, coacción o la amenaza de revelar información perjudicial.
Word origin
The word is borrowed from French chantage via chanter 'to sing' (Latin cantare), whose figurative 'make someone sing' meaning explains forcing someone to give money or favors under duress.
Usage tips
- Use chantajear with a person as direct object (chantajear a alguien) and use con to specify the means (chantajear a alguien con fotos) rather than English prepositional patterns.
Other meanings
- extortionnoun
Related words
- chantajearblackmailverb
- chantajistablackmailernoun
- chantajeadoblackmailedadjective