extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən 

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

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms

• fleecing
• gouging
• highway robbery
• overcharging

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən 

: the practice or crime of extorting (as money)

extortioner

-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun

Legal Definition

extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən 

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

-shə-nət 

adjective

extortioner noun

extortionist

-shə-nist 

noun