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

• fleecing
• gouging
• highway robbery
• 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

Some of those leaders are facing corruption allegations today, including longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan, whose bribery and extortion trial got underway last week. —Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2024

He would later be convicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy for using his office to enrich himself and associates through fraud, bribery, extortion and tax evasion. —Barbara McQuade, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024

Lynn is a frequent contributor to Harper’s, with previous features on Big Tech’s extortion racket, the new monopolies destroying open markets, and more. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024

There have been reports of violent assaults, threats of murder, extortion, and child prostitution. —The Week Uk, theweek, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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