extortion

American

[ik-stawr-shuhn] / ɪkˈstɔr ʃən /

noun

an act or instance of extorting.

Synonyms:

blackmail
Law. the crime of obtaining money or some other thing of value by the abuse of one's office or authority.
oppressive or illegal exaction, as of excessive price or interest.

the extortions of usurers.
anything extorted.

Synonyms:

blackmail

Usage

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.

Among other acts of extortion, this was an important weapon that he was using to enforce the blockade against Cuba.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Each month, the charity receives up to 60 distress calls from gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer people facing threats ranging from extortion to eviction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

However, Shell’s lawsuit, filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges he was the victim of extortion and defamation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

However, Lord Gove said he would have preferred "an accelerated timetable" of 20 years, describing ground rents as "essentially extortion".

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

“You’re saying”—Mr. Kempsey's temperature rose nicely—“that Neal Brose is running some sort of extortion racket? Under my very nose?”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023