sextortion

noun

sex·​tor·​tion ˌsek-ˈstȯr-shən 

: extortion in which a perpetrator threatens to expose sexually compromising information (such as sexually explicit private images or videos of the victim) unless the victim meets certain demands

Sextortion is when an online predator tricks someone into giving them nude images or videos, and then demands money, more images, or makes other demands—threatening to share the images with the victim's friends and family if they don't comply.

—bradfordtoday.ca

Sextortion is a crime that is now sweeping the web, from organized criminal groups operating overseas to cyber-bullies at the local high school.

—The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California)

Two male high school students in an Allegan County school district were recent victims of sextortion—a form of online sexual exploitation that typically occurs against kids ages 10-17.

—Sherri Kolade

Deling used text messages and social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Kik and Skype, in the sextortion scheme against girls between the ages of 11 and 17, prosecutors say.

—Chacour Koop

Examples of sextortion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There has been a huge spike in sextortion cases in recent years. —Matt Burgess, WIRED, 7 Sep. 2024

From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security received more than 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 6 Sep. 2024

From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 20 suicides. —Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 5 Sep. 2024

As the crime becomes more common, there is more help available to help victims of sextortion. —Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

blend of sex entry 1 and extortion

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above