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
Others specialize in phishing or extortion.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Refugees like him were also targeted by the police for extortion.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The crimes include murder and extortion, and conspiracy.
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Per the warrant, Busfield denied the allegations and counter sued for extortion.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Refugees like him were also targeted by the police for extortion.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
The crimes include murder and extortion, and conspiracy.
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Per the warrant, Busfield denied the allegations and counter sued for extortion.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 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 14 Jan. 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
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