extortion

noun

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
Synonyms of extortionnext
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
extortioner
ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce extortion (audio)
noun
extortionist
ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce extortion (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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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
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.
Baldoni responded with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. — Lori A Bashian Fox News, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025 Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds and their PR rep, alleges extortion, defamation and claims related to breach of contract. — Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025 This was extortion, not much different from when Trump wanted the Ukrainian president to smear Biden on false charges of corruption relating to his work with Ukraine as vice president. — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025 Conclusion Cybercriminals employ a variety of coercive tactics to manipulate and control victims into meeting their extortion demands. — Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extortion

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extortion was in the 14th century

Rhymes for extortion

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Browse Nearby Words

extortion
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Cite this Entry

“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

extortion

noun
ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
: the practice or crime of extorting (as money)
extortioner
-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce extortion (audio)
noun
extortionist
-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce extortion (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

extortion

noun
ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
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
extortionate
-shə-nət How to pronounce extortion (audio)
adjective
extortioner noun
extortionist
-shə-nist How to pronounce extortion (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extortion

Nglish: Translation of extortion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extortion

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