extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an alleged criminal usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (such as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

Examples of extradition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Guevara waived extradition, and on Thursday detectives from Norwich traveled to Maryland, took custody of him at the Montgomery County jail and brought him to Connecticut. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2026

As Kenneth enjoys a last skinny dip in the indoor pool, Geert makes some inquiries about flights to countries with no extradition treaties to Belgium. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026

Woods has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in Shareef's death, and is awaiting extradition back to Illinois, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026

An Indiana man was arrested this week in connection with the fatal shooting and is being held after waiving extradition at a court appearance. —Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from ex- + Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over — more at treason

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for extradition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdish-ən 

: the delivery of an accused criminal from one place (as a U.S. state) to another where the trial will be held

Legal Definition

extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən 

: the surrender of an accused usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one sovereign (as a state or nation) to another that has jurisdiction to try the accused and that has demanded his or her return see also asylum state compare detainer, rendition

Note: Article IV of the U.S. Constitution states: “A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.”

Etymology

French, from Latin ex- out + traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over