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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 18 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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