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 rep also accused Pisciotta of coercion, blackmail and extortion. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2024

May 28, 8:33 AM Defense calls Stormy Daniels payment extortion Defense attorney Todd Blanche told jurors that while both Trump and Stormy Daniels denied the affair, the allegations came back in 2016 so Daniels and others could extort Trump. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 28 May 2024

Bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. —Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 13 May 2024

The 18-year-old was released on parole after 16 years behind bars despite having a horrendous institutional record for fighting, extortion and various other infractions. —Aisha Braveboy, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 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