exaction

noun

ex·​ac·​tion ig-ˈzak-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of exacting

b

: extortion

2

: something exacted

especially : a fee, reward, or contribution demanded or levied with severity or injustice

Examples of exaction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That bizarre approach lent itself to a Fincher-esque level of exaction while prompting interesting artistic questions. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2020

Command of an army division could be purchased for $2 million, whereupon the buyer might recoup his investment with exactions from the civilian population. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's magazine, 10 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exaccioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French exaccion, borrowed from Latin exāctiōn-, exāctiō "driving out, demanding of payment," from exigere "to drive out, enforce payment of or the performance of (a task)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at exact entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a