sextortion
sɛkˈstɔːrʃən
Definition
A form of blackmail in which an individual is coerced into performing sexual acts or sharing sensitive sexual imagery under the threat that their private or compromising information will be exposed publicly.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau of the words 'sex' and 'extortion'. It emerged in the early 21st century to specifically label the criminal practice of using sexual content as leverage for extortion.
In the news
In the article, the term is used to describe a specific type of online exploitation involving a fake identity, which ultimately contributed to a teenager's decision to die by suicide. It highlights the severe, life-altering impact that digital manipulation can have on a young person's mental health.
Mississippi firefighter suicides bring focus to mental health
Read the full article ↗WDAM-TV