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

Such slogans hinted at extortion, and onlookers were unimpressed. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Manzo’s murder has deepened political divisions in Michoacán and intensified fear in a city where residents report rising violence and extortion. — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Roy, now 44, the founder and owner of Construction Advocacy Professionals, or CAP, was an important prosecution witness a year ago at the trial that ended in Diamantis’ conviction on nearly two dozen extortion, bribery and false statement charges. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Other armed groups and criminal gangs also operate there, with civilians facing killings, extortion and kidnapping. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 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