extradition

noun

ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce extradition (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noem also said the ministers were in agreement when discussing intelligence sharing on criminal networks, using technology to disrupt their operations and accelerating extradition processes. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Noem said there had not been disagreements among the ministers in talks focused on sharing information on criminal gangs, using technology to disrupt their networks and speeding extradition arrangements. Jill Lawless, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025 International implications of using foreign fighters By allowing non-Ukrainians to serve, Kyiv runs the risk of these fighters being labelled as mercenaries by Russia, leaving them vulnerable to capture, detention and extradition to Russia. Rebecca Johns, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025 Sadowski, who is being held without bond, waived his extradition rights to be returned to Kansas, according to court documents filed in Harris County. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extradition

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of extradition was in 1810

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extradition. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

extradition

noun
ex·​tra·​di·​tion ˌek-strə-ˈdish-ən How to pronounce extradition (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce extradition (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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