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emotional blackmail

noun

Definition of emotional blackmail

: an attempt to control someone with whom one has an emotional connection by tactics that make the person feel guilty or upset
  • He used emotional blackmail to get what he wanted from her.

Word by Word Definitions

emotional play

  1. : of or relating to emotion

  2. : dominated by or prone to emotion

  3. : appealing to or arousing emotion

See the full definition of emotional
blackmail play

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

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

  3. : the payment that is extorted

See the full definition of blackmail

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