extortion
AmericanUsage
What does extortion mean? Extortion is the act of extorting—using violence, threats, intimidation, or pressure from one’s authority to force someone to hand over money (or something else of value) or do something they don’t want to do.The verb extort is commonly used in this literal way, but it can also be used in a more general or figurative way meaning to overcharge for something or to obtain through relentless and unreasonable demands. These senses liken such actions to the actual crime of extortion, as in The way they raise tuition every semester is extortion, if you ask me.A person who engages in extortion can be called an extortionist or an extortioner. Such actions can be described as extortionary.Example: The mob regularly uses extortion to squeeze money out of small business owners through intimidation.
Other Word Forms
- nonextortion noun
Etymology
Origin of extortion
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English extorcion, from Late Latin extortiōn-, stem of extortiō, literally, “a twisting away,” from extort(us) + -iō noun suffix; extort, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These are "cruel practices that compound grief with extortion", she added.
From Barron's
The scourge of extortion in Peru, which has risen tenfold in two years, cannot be beaten without a major security overhaul, the prosecutor heading the South American country's fight against organized crime told AFP.
From Barron's
A year later, Ms Zia was arrested on charges of extortion and corruption.
From BBC
But she concedes that extortion is on the rise, though there are no accurate metrics for an offense so hugely under-reported.
From Los Angeles Times
Attorney’s office, who approached him because prosecutors thought he could be a victim of blackmail or extortion.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
