sextortion

noun

sex·​tor·​tion ˌsek-ˈstȯr-shən 

: extortion in which a perpetrator threatens to expose sexually compromising information (such as sexually explicit private images or videos of the victim) unless the victim meets certain demands

Sextortion is when an online predator tricks someone into giving them nude images or videos, and then demands money, more images, or makes other demands—threatening to share the images with the victim's friends and family if they don't comply.

—bradfordtoday.ca

Sextortion is a crime that is now sweeping the web, from organized criminal groups operating overseas to cyber-bullies at the local high school.

—The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California)

Two male high school students in an Allegan County school district were recent victims of sextortion—a form of online sexual exploitation that typically occurs against kids ages 10-17.

—Sherri Kolade

Deling used text messages and social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Kik and Skype, in the sextortion scheme against girls between the ages of 11 and 17, prosecutors say.

—Chacour Koop

Examples of sextortion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meta issues a warning about increasing sextortion scams. —Nicole Valdes, CBS News, 31 May 2025

On Discord, pedophiles have targeted minors with sextortion and lured them into abductions. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

Victims experiencing sextortion should tell a trusted adult. —Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

Among them was a citizen of Côte d'Ivoire, Alfred Kassi, who was accused of sextortion against Ryan Stuart and arrested by Ivorian authorities on April 29. —Scott MacFarlane 18, CBS News, 18 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

blend of sex entry 1 and extortion

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sextortion

• abortion
• apportion
• contortion
• distortion
• extortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion