extortion

American  

[ik-stawr-shuhn] / ɪkˈstɔr ʃən /

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

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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

Extreme ideas are shaping a campaign which features a record 35 candidates, as Peru confronts soaring extortion and a homicide rate that has more than doubled since 2018.

From Barron's

More than eight million Venezuelans fled over the last 12 years, including many criminals whose profits from robberies, kidnappings and extortion had dried up, security analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The vast majority of the callers are individuals facing extortion or immediate physical danger,” said John Grace, the Ugandan activist who runs the hotline.

From The Wall Street Journal

Shell filed a counterclaim accusing Cipriani of extortion and defamation, while Paramount called the allegations “frivolous.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coercion
• fraud
• shakedown
• theft