extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce extradition (audio)
Synonyms of extraditionnext
: the surrender of an alleged criminal usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (such as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

Examples of extradition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The hearing was held just a few hours after he was booked into custody by the Bay County Sheriff's Office following his extradition from Arkansas. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026 Lipps, a mother of three and grandmother of five, had never been to North Dakota before her extradition, according to CNN affiliate WDAY. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026 An arrest warrant has been issued for Peng, while Sampath faces extradition to California. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026 He was arrested on Wednesday in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is awaiting extradition to the Harris County jail in Texas. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extradition

Word History

Etymology

French, from ex- + Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over — more at treason

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extradition was in 1810

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extradition. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

extradition

noun
ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdish-ən How to pronounce extradition (audio)
: the delivery of an accused criminal from one place (as a U.S. state) to another where the trial will be held

Legal Definition

extradition

noun
ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce extradition (audio)
: the surrender of an accused usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one sovereign (as a state or nation) to another that has jurisdiction to try the accused and that has demanded his or her return see also asylum state compare detainer, rendition

Note: Article IV of the U.S. Constitution states: “A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.”

Etymology

French, from Latin ex- out + traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over

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