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
This is for the safety of the high-profile inmates, Mangel explained, who could be vulnerable to extortion or violence.
—
Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026
Konstantinos Diamantis, the former state deputy budget director who was convicted of bribery and extortion last year, on Monday declined a plea deal in a second case and opted for a trial.
—Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
After another six-week trial, a different jury convicted Spann in December on the same charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and extortion.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Soon, a cycle of blackmail, extortion and fraud ensues, borne of desperate grasping for power and a potentially fatal lack of empathy on all fronts.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026
Konstantinos Diamantis, the former state deputy budget director who was convicted of bribery and extortion last year, on Monday declined a plea deal in a second case and opted for a trial.
—Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
After another six-week trial, a different jury convicted Spann in December on the same charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and extortion.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Soon, a cycle of blackmail, extortion and fraud ensues, borne of desperate grasping for power and a potentially fatal lack of empathy on all fronts.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 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 23 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
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