Wiktionary
n. The psychological misuse of a person's emotions or insecurity in order to influence their behaviour
Wikipedia
Emotional blackmail and FOG, terms coined by psychotherapist Susan Forward, are about controlling people in relationships and the theory that fear, obligation and guilt ("FOG") are the transactional dynamics at play between the controller and the person being controlled. Understanding these dynamics are useful to anyone trying to extricate from the controlling behavior of another person, and deal with their own compulsions to do things that are uncomfortable, undesirable, burdensome, or self-sacrificing for others.
Usage examples of "emotional blackmail".
His first thought after leaving Sugamo Prison had been to appeal to Captain Thomas for help against the Russians, against this emotional blackmail of Colonel Gorbatov.
Let's call it sentimental appeal, shall we, instead of emotional blackmail.
Firstly, we've been very gentle with Elspeth up until now insofar as exposing her to the kind of emotional blackmail and double-dealing perfidy that we both know is fairly commonplace at Court.
She knew he was going to try emotional blackmail, and here it came.
The history had been forgotten, transmuted into emotional blackmail for childrenBe good or Ill send you to Suroch where the monsters are!
The history had been forgotten, transmuted into emotional blackmail for children—.
Bugger Julia for hustling her into it, using Royan for emotional blackmail.
A fixed Air sign, for independence, friendship, creativity and for detachment from emotional blackmail.
I have a short list of things I never do, and right near the top is surrendering to emotional blackmail.