Definition
要挟 means to coerce or blackmail someone by exploiting their weakness, secrets, or leverage. Unlike 勒索 (which focuses on extorting money), 要挟 emphasizes psychological pressure — threatening to expose something or cause harm unless the victim complies. It is a formal, high-register verb used in legal, political, and interpersonal contexts.
v.
to coerceto blackmail (by exploiting leverage or weakness)
Examples
- 要挟，。Tā yòng zìjǐ de zhíwù zhī biàn yāo xié xiàshǔ, bèi gōngsī kāichú le.He used his position to coerce subordinates and was fired by the company.
- 要挟，。Fànzuì xiányí rén shìtú yòng zhàopiàn yāo xié shòuhài rén, dàn shòuhài rén bào le jǐng.The suspect tried to blackmail the victim with photos, but the victim called the police.
- 要挟，。Bú yào bèi duìfāng yāo xié, guānjiàn shì yào bǎoliú zhèngjù.Don't be coerced by the other party; the key is to keep evidence.
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