extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
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 noun
extortionist 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 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 See all Example Sentences for extortion 

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.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extortion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near extortion

Cite this Entry

“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

extortion

noun
ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
: the practice or crime of extorting (as money)
extortioner noun
extortionist noun

Legal Definition

extortion

noun
ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
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 adjective
extortioner noun
extortionist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extortion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!