extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
1
: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property
especially : the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
2
: something extorted
especially : a gross overcharge
extortioner noun
extortionist noun

Examples of extortion in a Sentence

He was arrested and charged with extortion. six dollars for a cup of coffee is just plain extortion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, after police linked the envoys to homicides, extortion and other violent acts against Sikh separatists in the country, including Nijjar. Lex Harvey, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024 The cartel is heavily involved in the production and distribution of drugs—including cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine—human trafficking, and extortion. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s senior staff has been implicated in the extortion of IDF officers and apparent forgery of official protocols to cover up government misdemeanors. Shalom Lipner, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024 Such leaks could lead to extortion or theft with no recourse, as crypto transactions cannot be reversed. Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extortion 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extortion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near extortion

Cite this Entry

“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

extortion

noun
ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
: the practice or crime of extorting (as money)
extortioner noun
extortionist noun

Legal Definition

extortion

noun
ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
1
: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property
specifically : the act or practice of extorting by a public official acting under color of office
2
: the crime of extorting
extortionate adjective
extortioner noun
extortionist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extortion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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