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
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
Karimova has faced a series of trials after a first conviction in Uzbekistan eight years ago, and is serving a 13-year sentence for organizing a criminal group, extortion and embezzlement.
—
Jamey Keaten, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
But in 2003, Santa Barbara police arrested Jackson on 10 criminal counts, including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026
Michael was indicted on 10 criminal counts including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, per NPR, but was acquitted of all charges in June 2005, according to The New York Times.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
This lawsuit is a desperate money grab by additional members of the Cascio family who have hopped on the bandwagon with their brother Frank, who is already being sued in arbitration for civil extortion.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jamey Keaten, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
But in 2003, Santa Barbara police arrested Jackson on 10 criminal counts, including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026
Michael was indicted on 10 criminal counts including child molestation, abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, per NPR, but was acquitted of all charges in June 2005, according to The New York Times.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
This lawsuit is a desperate money grab by additional members of the Cascio family who have hopped on the bandwagon with their brother Frank, who is already being sued in arbitration for civil extortion.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
