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

extortioner

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms

• fleecing
• gouging
• highway robbery
• overcharging

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

Data breaches can lead to legal liability and the theft of intellectual property assets and can open students up to identity theft, fraud and extortion. —Will Sweeney, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

Related Articles Harris defends shifting from some liberal positions in first interview of presidential campaign Letters: Are the Colorado property tax ballot measures needed cuts or extortion? —Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2024

These people are not really spies, just civilians who are recruited to complete a specific intelligence task, sometimes through extortion or the promise of cash, sometimes through an appeal to their patriotism. —Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Huang’s attorneys filed a cross-complaint this week, accusing the plaintiff, Stearns and She of extortion. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən 

: the practice or crime of extorting (as money)

extortioner

-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun

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

extortionate

-shə-nət 

adjective

extortioner noun

extortionist

-shə-nist 

noun