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
Earlier this month, Zervas pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding Medicare and Medicaid and conspiring to commit extortion.
—
Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
The director then sued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million for civil extortion, defamation and other actions.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Hov then moved to sue Buzbee for defamation, civil extortion, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Baldoni has since sued the newspaper and Lively for defamation, seeking $400 million from her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging extortion, defamation and invasion of privacy.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025
The director then sued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million for civil extortion, defamation and other actions.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Hov then moved to sue Buzbee for defamation, civil extortion, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Baldoni has since sued the newspaper and Lively for defamation, seeking $400 million from her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging extortion, defamation and invasion of privacy.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 19 Feb. 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 17 Mar. 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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