extort

American  

[ik-stawrt] / ɪkˈstɔrt /

verb (used with object)

1. Law.

   1. to wrest or wring (money, information, etc.) from a person by violence, intimidation, or abuse of authority; obtain by force, torture, threat, or the like.

   2. to take illegally by reason of one's office.

2. to compel (something) of a person or thing.

   Her wit and intelligence extorted their admiration.

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extort British  

/ ɪkˈstɔːt /

verb

1. to secure (money, favours, etc) by intimidation, violence, or the misuse of influence or authority

2. to obtain by importunate demands

   the children extorted a promise of a trip to the zoo

3. to overcharge for (something, esp interest on a loan)

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Usage

What does extort mean? Extort means to use 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. Extort is commonly used in this literal way, but it can also be used in a few more general or figurative ways. It can mean to overcharge someone for something, as in If you ask me, the textbooks companies are extorting us by coming out with new editions every year. It can also mean to obtain through relentless and unreasonable demands, as in The kids are good at extorting treats from their grandparents just by constantly asking. These senses liken such actions to the actual crime of extortion. More generally, the word extortion refers to the act of extorting. Such actions can be described as extortionary. A person who engages in extortion can be called an extortionist or an extortioner. Example: The mob regularly extorts money from small business owners through intimidation.

Related Words

See extract.

Other Word Forms

• extorter
  noun
• extortive
  adjective
• nonextortive
  adjective
• unextorted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of extort

First recorded in 1525–1500; from Latin extortus, past participle of extorquēre, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + torquēre “to twist”; see tort ( def. )

Explanation

To extort is to use information or the threat of violence to acquire cash or something else. Extortion is a classic shakedown, a gouge, a squeeze. Usually it's money someone is after if they're going to extort you for it. Threats of violence and blackmail are probably the two most popular ways to extort a person. It's illegal but surprisingly common. Watch siblings play — older brothers serve no time for extortion.

Example Sentences

That glory never shall his wrath or might Extort from me.

From Paradise Lost by Milton, John

And he said unto them, "Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages."

From His Life A Complete Story in the Words of the Four Gospels by Barton, William Eleazar

From the gods Extort the truth, or, if thou spare the gods, Force it from hell itself.

From Pharsalia; Dramatic Episodes of the Civil Wars by Lucan

That Glory never shall his wrath or might 110 Extort from me.

From The Poetical Works of John Milton by Milton, John

Demand of lilies wherefore they are white, Extort her crimson secret from the rose, But ask not of the Muse that she disclose The meaning of the riddle of her might.

From Platform Monologues by Tucker, T. G. (Thomas George)

Related Words

• coerce
• elicit
• exact
• extract
• wrest
• wring