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
These vulnerabilities contributed to notorious scandals, including the Gun Trace Task Force corruption case, in which officers engaged in robbery, extortion and falsifying evidence.
—
Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
Coveware, a company that helps clients respond to cyber extortion incidents, reports the average ransom payment made by victims of cyberattacks has been falling.
—Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
Their officers are involved in rampant extortion and kidnapping, and both have played central roles in systematic state violence during the Maduro era.
—Rebecca Hanson, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
In Monday’s petition, Cunningham says a conversation with McFadden ahead of the veto vote amounted to an attempt at extortion and bribery.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
Coveware, a company that helps clients respond to cyber extortion incidents, reports the average ransom payment made by victims of cyberattacks has been falling.
—Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
Their officers are involved in rampant extortion and kidnapping, and both have played central roles in systematic state violence during the Maduro era.
—Rebecca Hanson, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
In Monday’s petition, Cunningham says a conversation with McFadden ahead of the veto vote amounted to an attempt at extortion and bribery.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 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 9 Jan. 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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