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

Lewis was never charged in the poisonings, but he was convicted of extortion for sending a letter to Tylenol maker Johnson & Johnson taking responsibility for the deaths and demanding $1 million to stop them. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

According to the police, the group operates in the departments of Magdalena — where Santa Marta is located — La Guajira, and Cesar, and has been implicated in crimes such as drug trafficking and extortion. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

The 34 people arrested are accused of mafia-style crime association, drug trafficking, extortion and possession of drugs for the purpose of dealing, according to the Carabinieri statement. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Hill alleges extortion But Hill went further last week, accusing board members of trying to force her out of her job before the investigation even began. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 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