extradite
Americanverb (used with object)
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to give up (an alleged fugitive or criminal) to another state or nation at its request.
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to obtain the extradition of.
verb
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to surrender (an alleged offender) for trial to a foreign state
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to procure the extradition of
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of extradite
First recorded in 1860–65; back formation from extradition
Explanation
When a government extradites someone, it delivers that person to another country or state, usually to be tried for a crime. Treaties between countries often require them to extradite suspected criminals. You might hear about a criminal attempting to hide in one country, only to have its government extradite him back to the place where he committed the crime. While individual countries sometimes resist the pressure to extradite suspects, treaties between countries often encourage them to do so. The verb extradite comes from its noun form, extradition, which was likely invented by Voltaire from a combination of the Latin ex, "out," and traditionem, "a delivering up or handing over."
Vocabulary lists containing extradite
This Week in Words: April 6–12, 2019
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In Cold Blood
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The Devil in the White City
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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.
A French court has ruled to extradite Russian banker Vladimir Antonov, a former owner of English football club Portsmouth, to Lithuania, his lawyer said on Friday.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
Still, he didn’t return to face his accusers, and the UAE appeared to have little inclination to extradite him, said Ahmad Hadi, 48, a physician who is Ashaal’s brother-in-law.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
California Gov. Gavin Newsom responded by denying Louisiana’s request to extradite Coeytaux to the state to face criminal charges.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026
The court also heard how the businessmen named as having given the alleged bribes have not been charged and there have been no attempts to extradite them.
From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026
Trying to prevent Fischer’s escape to Iceland, various agencies in the United States accelerated their pursuit of Bobby, putting more pressure on Japan to extradite him.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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.
