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 alert warns of break-ins, robberies, and extortion at rental properties and urges travelers to take extra precautions. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025

Baldoni then filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, claiming civil extortion, defamation, breach of contract, and invasion of privacy. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025

Further, Jordan has sued others for extortion and for unlawful use of his intellectual property. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Menendez, 71, was convicted in July 2024 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. —Joe Brandt, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

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