extortion
Americannoun
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
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; see extort, -ion
Explanation
Extortion means forcing someone into giving you something through threats. A bully who tells kids he'll beat them up if they don't give him their lunch money is guilty of extortion. Because extortion is a crime — mobsters are often charged with it — the word has a strict, legal meaning. It's the act of using threats or force to obtain something from someone. But the word is used in a general context as well. As you sell $5 boxes of M&Ms door-to-door to pay for your band trip to Florida, cranky neighbors may complain, "At this price, it's extortion!" — meaning they feel you're forcing them to give you their money.
Vocabulary lists containing extortion
Twists and Turns: Tor
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Vocabulary: A Rapper's Delight!
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The Book of Unknown Americans
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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.
Adding to Revolut’s headaches, the company is facing extortion threats from a shadowy hacker who claims to be behind the breach.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
The person working with Regan who sent the offer denied to the law firm that the conversation constituted extortion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
He said avocado growers have been begging the government for years to do more to address extortion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
The Chinese Foreign Ministry told Reuters it is seeking Mr. Bai’s extradition, citing extortion and bribery allegations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
And I thought, God, he’s already going to start with the extortion.
From "Winger" by Andrew Smith
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.
