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
Speaking at a news conference, Johnson added that the workers not only funneled their earnings but also stole sensitive company information or leveraged it to demand extortion payments.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
The suspects not only worked IT jobs but also stole confidential data, including source code, from their employers, with the goal of financial extortion.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Dec. 2024
What’s the deal with Jay-Z’s extortion lawsuit against Buzbee?
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
TdA members are known for violence, and have been accused of murder, kidnapping, extortion, bribery and human and drug trafficking, and linked to more than 100 law enforcement investigations nationwide, The Center Square has reported.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extortion 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
The suspects not only worked IT jobs but also stole confidential data, including source code, from their employers, with the goal of financial extortion.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Dec. 2024
What’s the deal with Jay-Z’s extortion lawsuit against Buzbee?
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
TdA members are known for violence, and have been accused of murder, kidnapping, extortion, bribery and human and drug trafficking, and linked to more than 100 law enforcement investigations nationwide, The Center Square has reported.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extortion
Dictionary Entries Near extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 23 Dec. 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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