exaction

[ ig-zak-shuhn ]

See synonyms for exaction on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of exacting; extortion: the exactions of usury.
an amount or sum exacted.

Origin of exaction

1350–1400; Middle English exactioun<Latin exāctiōn- (stem of exāctiō) a demanding. See exact, -ion

Other words from exaction

non·ex·ac·tion, noun

Words Nearby exaction

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use exaction in a sentence

By statute and order the Central Authority had authorised compulsory detention for four hours and the exaction of a task of work.
English Poor Law Policy | Sidney Webb
The violent altercation witnessed by Clameran's new valet, Joseph Dubois, had been caused by the exaction of this promise.
File No. 113 | Emile Gaboriau
But the stern customs of his people had made too severe an exaction of the feeble old man.
The Last of the Mohicans | James Fenimore Cooper
How can he be fed, clothed, and warmed without the State making its existence felt by the exaction of a tithe?
The Surprises of Life | Georges Clemenceau
The allies no sooner obtained possession of central Europe than they outdid its recent master in every species of exaction.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte | William Milligan Sloane

British Dictionary definitions for exaction

exaction

/ (ɪɡˈzækʃən) /

noun

the act or an instance of exacting, esp money
an excessive or harsh demand, esp for money; extortion

a sum or payment exacted

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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