extortion

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

Examples of EXTORTION

1. He was arrested and charged with extortion.
2. <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

Related Words: cheating, chiseling (or chiselling), defrauding, skinning, swindling

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Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

Rhymes with EXTORTION

abortion, apportion, contortion, distortion, proportion