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

The following month, Baldoni filed his blockbuster lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds and Lively’s publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of defamation and civil extortion. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025

Explosives are frequently used in criminal conflicts and extortion. —Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025

So what exactly did Buzbee do that might have amounted to extortion? —Bill Hochberg, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

He was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder and for crimes involving drugs, guns, extortion, assault and arson, and is now serving a life sentence. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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