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

Thorpe remains in Broward County Jail, awaiting extradition to South Carolina, where both men will be prosecuted in federal court in Charleston. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025

Both are awaiting extradition to California. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

Previous inmates include Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama who was held there following his extradition from the United States after the American invasion that deposed him. —Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

In some instances, an extradition process can last years, especially when the person targeted for extradition can credibly argue they are being sought more for political or social reasons than legal ones. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025

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