extortionist
Americannoun
Usage
What does extortionist mean? An extortionist is someone who practices extortion—the act of 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 word extortioner means the same exact thing. Extortion and the verb extort are commonly used in this literal sense, but they can also be used in a few more general or figurative ways. Extort can mean to overcharge someone for something or to obtain through relentless and unreasonable demands. In both of these cases, a person who does so can be called an extortionist or an extortioner. These senses liken such actions to the actual crime of extortion. Example: Mobsters are often extortionists, meaning they extort money from small business owners through intimidation.
Etymology
Origin of extortionist
Vocabulary lists containing extortionist
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.
Nike, in court documents, portrays him as an extortionist who seized on the lapsed trademark for money.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025
Costero himself became a target, facing legal threats and a doxing campaign that revealed his personal information, branded him an electronic extortionist, and painted Wikipedia’s volunteer editors as enemies of the people.
From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025
In a hostile cross-examination, the defense sought to paint him as a serial extortionist.
From New York Times • May 2, 2024
"We need to flood the north with aid," Mr McGoldrick said, "so it doesn't become a product that people want to use for extortionist purposes or the black market."
From BBC • Feb. 24, 2024
The whimsical old extortionist never regained his wealth or standing.
From Great Fortunes from Railroads by Myers, Gustavus
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
