extortion

[ik-stawr-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of extorting.

   Synonyms: blackmail

2. Law.,  the crime of obtaining money or some other thing of value by the abuse of one's office or authority.

3. oppressive or illegal exaction, as of excessive price or interest.

   the extortions of usurers.

4. anything extorted.

   Synonyms: blackmail

Other Word Forms

• nonextortion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of extortion¹

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

So with Kido refusing to pay and the hackers giving up their extortion attempt the criminals appear to have actually lost money in this cyber-attack.

From BBC

Coberg faces up to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights, according to a statement by the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

The Gen Z protesters were joined by transport workers who say that the government is not doing enough to combat extortion.

From BBC

Facing extortion charges, Rocha had secretly cut a deal for a reduced sentence.

From Los Angeles Times

They claim to have contacted some parents by phone as part of their extortion tactics.

From BBC

Related Words

• coercion 
• fraud 
• shakedown 
• theft 

When To Use

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.