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
Homicide rates have climbed to their highest levels in decades, and police say organizations such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua have expanded extortion, kidnapping and narcotics operations inside the country.
—
Morgan Phillips, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025
His $400 million countersuit, alleging extortion and defamation, has since been dismissed by the judge.
—Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
The alert warns of break-ins, robberies, and extortion at rental properties and urges travelers to take extra precautions.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025
Baldoni then filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, claiming civil extortion, defamation, breach of contract, and invasion of privacy.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Morgan Phillips, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025
His $400 million countersuit, alleging extortion and defamation, has since been dismissed by the judge.
—Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
The alert warns of break-ins, robberies, and extortion at rental properties and urges travelers to take extra precautions.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025
Baldoni then filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, claiming civil extortion, defamation, breach of contract, and invasion of privacy.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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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