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
In urban areas, criminal groups also carry out drug dealing operations and extortion against residents, Sánchez said.
—
Michael Rios, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
On June 9, 2023, van der Sloot entered a plea of not guilty to the extortion and wire fraud charges, according to the Associated Press.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
This is another example of financial extortion of local businesses to make up for the mismanagement of the city’s budget.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
The new court, just like the previous court, found the mother failed to protect her daughter, instead seeking to profit financially through blackmail and extortion of Franco.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Michael Rios, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
On June 9, 2023, van der Sloot entered a plea of not guilty to the extortion and wire fraud charges, according to the Associated Press.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
This is another example of financial extortion of local businesses to make up for the mismanagement of the city’s budget.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
The new court, just like the previous court, found the mother failed to protect her daughter, instead seeking to profit financially through blackmail and extortion of Franco.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 26 May 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 3 Jun. 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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