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

extortioner

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms of extortion

• cheating
• gouging
• highway robbery
• fleecing
• overcharging

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

Ransomware and extortion have evolved into comprehensive ecosystems, incorporating elements such as affiliate programs, subscription services, and encrypted money laundering. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Henley, 59, had already been accused of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion and fraud. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

He was also convicted in 2022 of assault and robbery by extortion, the office said. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 26 July 2026

Officials had been going back and forth about whether these notes were legitimate or were from those attempting extortion, according to CBS News. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extortion

• abortion
• apportion
• contortion
• distortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

Kids Definition

extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən 

: the practice or crime of extorting (as money)

extortioner

-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun

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

extortionate

-shə-nət 

adjective

extortioner noun

extortionist

-shə-nist 

noun