extortionary

[ ik-stawr-shuh-ner-ee ]

adjective

1. characterized by or given to extortion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extortionary¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; extortion + -ary

Example Sentences

Most people are happy to pay taxes that they think are fair—and most people will avoid taxes they think are extortionary.

From The Daily Beast