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
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
One of the gang's most pivotal revenue sources is extortion enforced through violence, the report found.
—
Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
The director then sued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million for civil extortion, defamation and other actions.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Prosecutors are recommending that a federal court sentence Stephen Snyder to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a high-profile extortion case.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025
Worthy sues ex-fiancée Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy accused his ex-fiancee of theft and extortion in a lawsuit, obtained by The Athletic yesterday, which alleges that Tia Jones stole and destroyed money and personal property belonging to Worthy.
—Chris Branch, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
The director then sued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million for civil extortion, defamation and other actions.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Prosecutors are recommending that a federal court sentence Stephen Snyder to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a high-profile extortion case.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025
Worthy sues ex-fiancée Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy accused his ex-fiancee of theft and extortion in a lawsuit, obtained by The Athletic yesterday, which alleges that Tia Jones stole and destroyed money and personal property belonging to Worthy.
—Chris Branch, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
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