extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an alleged criminal usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (such as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

Examples of extradition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Leal ultimately remained in Mexican custody for nearly five years awaiting extradition. —Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

Beyond military operations, the U.S. sought to weaken FARC's financial networks by targeting its leaders as drug kingpins, pursuing extraditions on narcotics charges for both top leaders and mid-level operatives. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

But the current Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, rescinded the extradition request and asked former president Biden to remove Cuba from the list. —Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025

Backup units were dispatched to the scene, as dispatch confirmed the extradition status, according to state police. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from ex- + Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over — more at treason

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdish-ən 

: the delivery of an accused criminal from one place (as a U.S. state) to another where the trial will be held

Legal Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an accused usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one sovereign (as a state or nation) to another that has jurisdiction to try the accused and that has demanded his or her return see also asylum state compare detainer, rendition

Note: Article IV of the U.S. Constitution states: “A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.”

Etymology

French, from Latin ex- out + traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over