extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an alleged criminal usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (such as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

Examples of extradition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Zenada Greer, the fifth defendant in the case, was arrested in Kentucky and is awaiting extradition to Indiana on obstruction and assisting a criminal charges. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2026

Molina Garcia is awaiting extradition to Charlotte, the press release said. —Charlotte Observer, 28 Jan. 2026

Tokhtakhounov was arrested in Italy on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery, but fought his extradition to the US and was released by the Italian courts. —Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026

The South Lake Tahoe man was booked at the Douglas County jail, where he was being held without bail pending extradition back to California. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from ex- + Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over — more at treason

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for extradition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdish-ən 

: the delivery of an accused criminal from one place (as a U.S. state) to another where the trial will be held

Legal Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an accused usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one sovereign (as a state or nation) to another that has jurisdiction to try the accused and that has demanded his or her return see also asylum state compare detainer, rendition

Note: Article IV of the U.S. Constitution states: “A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.”

Etymology

French, from Latin ex- out + traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over