chantaje
“chantaje” means “blackmail” in Spanish (forcing someone to do something by threatening to reveal secrets).
blackmail
Also: extortion, emotional manipulation
📝 In Action
El político fue víctima de un chantaje.
B1The politician was a victim of blackmail.
No voy a ceder a tu chantaje emocional.
B2I am not going to give in to your emotional blackmail.
Me están haciendo chantaje para que no diga la verdad.
B2They are blackmailing me so that I don't tell the truth.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: chantaje
Question 1 of 2
Which verb is typically used with 'chantaje' to say someone is performing the act?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Borrowed from the French word 'chantage,' which comes from 'chanter' (to sing). In 19th-century French underworld slang, 'singing' meant confessing or revealing secrets, which is where the idea of paying to keep someone quiet comes from.
First recorded: Late 19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'chantaje' only for money?
No, it can be for money, favors, or even just to control someone's behavior, as in 'chantaje emocional'.
How do I say 'to blackmail someone'?
You can use the verb 'chantajear a alguien' or the phrase 'hacer chantaje a alguien'.