extortion
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ex·tor·tion
noun \ik-ˈstȯr-shən\Definition of EXTORTION
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
— ex·tor·tion·er \-sh(ə-)nər\ noun
— ex·tor·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun
See Examples of EXTORTION
- He was arrested and charged with extortion.
- <six dollars for a cup of coffee is just plain extortion>
First Known Use of EXTORTION
14th century
Related to EXTORTION
- Synonyms
- fleecing, gouging, highway robbery, overcharging
Other Business Terms
Rhymes with EXTORTION
extortion
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Unlawful exaction of money or property through intimidation or undue exercise of authority. It may include threats of physical harm, criminal prosecution, or public exposure. Some forms of threat, especially those made in writing, are occasionally singled out for separate statutory treatment as blackmail. See also bribery.
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