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
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
Baldoni responded by filing a civil lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, for, among other things, extortion and defamation.
—
Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 15 June 2026
In January 2025, Baldoni responded by filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging defamation, extortion, and related claims.
—Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
Jay Clayton alleged at the time that the gang is responsible for countless acts of violence, extortion and drug trafficking in North America, South America and Europe.
—Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 15 June 2026
In January 2025, Baldoni responded by filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging defamation, extortion, and related claims.
—Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
Jay Clayton alleged at the time that the gang is responsible for countless acts of violence, extortion and drug trafficking in North America, South America and Europe.
—Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
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