extortion
noun
ex·tor·tion
ik-ˈstȯr-shən 
1
: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property
especially
: the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
2
: something extorted
especially
: a gross overcharge
Examples of extortion in a Sentence
He was arrested and charged with extortion.
six dollars for a cup of coffee is just plain extortion
Recent Examples on the Web
But there are exceptions to that law that include obtaining evidence of extortion, kidnapping, bribery, any felony involving violence against the person and human trafficking.
—
Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The gang has also been linked to other criminal organizations in Latin America and is involved with extortion, kidnapping, money laundering and drug smuggling.
—Ernesto Castañeda, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Henley has been charged with racketeering, fraud, extortion and murder.
—Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
One of Ono’s drivers demanded millions and was charged with extortion.
—Kim Willis, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The gang has also been linked to other criminal organizations in Latin America and is involved with extortion, kidnapping, money laundering and drug smuggling.
—Ernesto Castañeda, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Henley has been charged with racketeering, fraud, extortion and murder.
—Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
One of Ono’s drivers demanded millions and was charged with extortion.
—Kim Willis, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
extortion
noun
ex·tor·tion
ik-ˈstȯr-shən
1
: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property
specifically
: the act or practice of extorting by a public official acting under color of office
2
: the crime of extorting
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