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

Leahy said he had been booked into custody on a warrant for his arrest in the homicide and is in an Indiana county jail awaiting an extradition hearing. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Dallas Pokornik of Toronto pleaded not guilty after his extradition, per the Associated Press, and remains in custody. —Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

The transfer marks the third such extradition in roughly a year, bringing the total to 92 suspects sent to the United States. —Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

McKee is awaiting extradition from the Winnebago County jail in Rockford, Illinois, where he's being held. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 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