extortion

noun

ex·tor·tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən

Synonyms of extortion next

: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property

especially : the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice

: something extorted

especially : a gross overcharge

extortioner

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nər

noun

extortionist

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nist

noun

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 Homeless residents, nearby business owners and service providers have spoken out about rampant crime in the neighborhood and predation on vulnerable people in the camp, including gun violence, assaults, extortion, theft and drug dealing. —

Emily Goodykoontz, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Sep. 2023 His killing has put a spotlight on a recent escalation of violence, fueled by a cocaine boom, which has seen transnational criminal organizations and local gangs engage in high-level graft and extortion, overrun prisons, and murder anyone who gets in their way. —

Tara John, CNN, 20 Aug. 2023 Nigerian security forces are also combating kidnappers, extortion rings and oil thieves. —

Ismail Alfa, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2023 Marrocco, who lost reelection in 2016, was indicted in 2020 on four charges, including extortion. —

Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 6 Sep. 2023 Shootings, homicides, kidnappings and extortions have become part of daily life, particularly in the Pacific port city and banana-shipping hub of Guayaquil. —

Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023 Steube alleged that the president abused his powers by accepting bribes, committing Hobbs Act extortion, and honest services fraud, stemming from his time in office. —

Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2023 He was sentenced to 35 years in jail for extortion and child pornography. —

Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2023 Mia Cox-Johnson, 44, had pleaded guilty in March to two counts of extortion and one count of conspiring to commit extortion, according to a statement from Acting US Attorney Joshua S. Levy’s office. —

Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extortion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.