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
One of its founders, William da Silva Lima, spent more than 30 years behind bars after being convicted of armed robbery, extortion and kidnapping.
—
Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
In addition to kidnappings, the gangs run extortion rings and control access to a key border crossing for commerce between Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The attorney’s office said Owens was indicted on one count of perjury, one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, two counts of taking the identity of another, two counts of forgery, and one count of theft by extortion.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
In a support page, Google notes business owners will need to submit evidence, such as screenshots or emails containing the extortion threat.
—PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
In addition to kidnappings, the gangs run extortion rings and control access to a key border crossing for commerce between Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
The attorney’s office said Owens was indicted on one count of perjury, one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, two counts of taking the identity of another, two counts of forgery, and one count of theft by extortion.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
In a support page, Google notes business owners will need to submit evidence, such as screenshots or emails containing the extortion threat.
—PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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
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