extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce extradition (audio)
: 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
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.
Patel has been at the center of high-profile arrests of gang members and the extradition of a person with ties to the Abbey Gate bombing in 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed 13 U.S. soldiers. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 May 2025 He was taken to a county jail for extradition to Nevada, where Clark County, home to Las Vegas, had issued the felony warrant. Karen Freifeld, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 Plans for his extradition to Missouri have not yet been determined. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2025 Last month, Louisiana officials issued an extradition order for Dr. Carpenter, which was immediately rebuffed by New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul. Pam Belluck, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 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 5 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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