extortion

[ ik-stawr-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of extorting.

   Synonyms: blackmail

2. Law. the crime of obtaining money or some other thing of value by the abuse of one's office or authority.
3. oppressive or illegal exaction, as of excessive price or interest:

   the extortions of usurers.

4. anything extorted.

   Synonyms: blackmail

Other Words From

• nonex·tortion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of extortion¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English extorcion, from Late Latin extortiōn-, stem of extortiō, literally, “a twisting away,” from extort(us) + -iō noun suffix; extort, -ion

Example Sentences

Sheinbaum, who has been questioned about the violence repeatedly at her daily news conferences, has vowed to stop it, saying that her administration will be focused on reducing killings and extortion, specifically.

From Los Angeles Times

He had been banned from matches because of previous incidents and had been accused of money-laundering and extortion by Argentine authorities.

From BBC

Mr McGregor denies the allegations and his lawyers told an earlier hearing in the case that Ms Hand is attempting extortion.

From BBC

Then there’s the 2019 Ukraine extortion scheme, for which Trump was impeached in the House … but ultimately acquitted in the Senate.

From Slate

The group, considered an ally of the Juárez cartel, has been involved in extortion and kidnappings in Mexico and was linked to the 2010 massacre of 16 teenagers in Juárez, investigators said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coercion
• fraud
• shakedown
• theft