extortion

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

extortioner

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

extortionist

2 of 2

noun (2)

ex·​tor·​tion·​ist -sh(ə)nə̇st 

plural -s

: extortioner

Synonyms of extortion

Noun (1)

• cheating
• gouging
• highway robbery
• fleecing
• overcharging

Examples of extortion in a Sentence

Noun (1)

He was arrested and charged with extortion.

six dollars for a cup of coffee is just plain extortion

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the judge also noted Krneta’s dual role in facilitating the corruption of Tobolski, both paying bribes and collecting extortion payments from other contractors on the then-mayor’s behalf. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Maher Assad was a former commander of the Syrian military’s 4th Armored Division - which Syrian opposition activists have accused of killings, torture, extortion and drug trafficking, in addition to running its own detention centers. — CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Maher Assad was a former commander of the Syrian military’s 4th Armored Division — which Syrian opposition activists have accused of killings, torture, extortion and drug trafficking, in addition to running its own detention centers. — FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

People living with daily extortion and victimization want relief quickly. — Robert Muggah, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extortion

• abortion
• apportion
• contortion
• distortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

Kids Definition

extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən 

: the practice or crime of extorting (as money)

extortioner

-sh(ə-)nər 

noun

extortionist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun

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

extortionate

-shə-nət 

adjective

extortioner noun

extortionist

-shə-nist 

noun