extortionate

[ik-stawr-shuh-nit] /ɪkˈstɔr ʃə nɪt/

Word Origin

adjective

grossly excessive; exorbitant:

extortionate prices.

characterized by extortion, as persons:

extortionate moneylenders.

Origin of extortionate

1780-1790

First recorded in 1780-90; extortion + -ate¹

Related forms

extortionately, adverb

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018.
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Examples from the Web for extortionately

Historical Examples

It was an immense monopoly, extortionately used, and it was not resigned without a struggle.

The World's Greatest Books, Vol XI. Edited by Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton

British Dictionary definitions for extortionately

extortionate

/ɪkˈstɔːʃənɪt/

adjective

(of prices, etc) excessive; exorbitant

(of persons) using extortion

Derived Forms

extortionately, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word Origin and History for extortionately

extortionate

adj.

1789, from extortion + -ate.

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