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 of extortion

• cheating
• gouging
• highway robbery
• fleecing
• 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

The list of charges includes racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, human trafficking, robbery, extortion and tax evasion. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2026

Mexico's Public Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said that Alfredo Cárdenas Rodríguez was a linked to homicides, kidnappings, extortion and trafficking drugs, weapons and people into the United States. — CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026

Conservative President Keiko Fujimori came to power in July on promises of restoring order to a nation plagued by extortion and homicides. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Such slogans hinted at extortion, and onlookers were unimpressed. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extortion

• abortion
• apportion
• contortion
• distortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

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