Synonyms of extraditionnext
: 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
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The extradition process can take months, depending on what challenges are brought, legal experts said. Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Andrew and Tristan Tate will appear in Miami federal court, a formality in the extradition process but can take weeks if the suspect chooses to fight the extradition. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026 He was placed in Kalamazoo County Jail pending extradition to Alaska. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 Instead, the Tates were handcuffed outside the venue as British authorities seek their extradition, according to multiple media reports. Staff Report, USA Today, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extradition

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of extradition was in 1810

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extradition. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

extradition

noun
: 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
: 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

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