extortion
noun
ex·tor·tion
ik-ˈstȯr-shən 
1
: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property
especially
: the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
2
: something extorted
especially
: a gross overcharge
Examples of extortion in a Sentence
He was arrested and charged with extortion.
six dollars for a cup of coffee is just plain extortion
Recent Examples on the Web
Rudy Giuliani called the cops on Borat crew, claiming extortion, producer says
04 of 20
Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
Jillian Bell leads this charming comedy about a woman who is motivated to run in the New York City marathon after her doctor deems her overweight and unhealthy.
—
Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 22 June 2024
While there is certainly drug trafficking in Honduras, extortion is also a major problem, with gang members draining victims of both hard cash and via digital means.
—Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 20 June 2024
The six-part series turns on Gonzalo Carreño, a Bogota aristocrat, accused of murder and behind extortions, attempted heists and an aircraft’s hijacking in May 1988.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 18 June 2024
Represented by federal public defenders, Avenatti also argued that a lawyer's settlement demand cannot give rise to federal criminal extortion liability.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for extortion 
Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 22 June 2024
While there is certainly drug trafficking in Honduras, extortion is also a major problem, with gang members draining victims of both hard cash and via digital means.
—Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 20 June 2024
The six-part series turns on Gonzalo Carreño, a Bogota aristocrat, accused of murder and behind extortions, attempted heists and an aircraft’s hijacking in May 1988.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 18 June 2024
Represented by federal public defenders, Avenatti also argued that a lawyer's settlement demand cannot give rise to federal criminal extortion liability.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for extortion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extortion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
extortion
noun
ex·tor·tion
ik-ˈstȯr-shən
1
: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property
specifically
: the act or practice of extorting by a public official acting under color of office
2
: the crime of extorting
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