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
especially : the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
2
: something extorted
especially : a gross overcharge
extortioner noun
extortionist noun

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.
Noboa, a conservative young millionaire, and González both promised voters solutions to the extortions, killings, kidnappings and other crimes that became part of everyday life as the country emerged from the pandemic. Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 And his whole presidency began with launching tools for bribery, meme coins to fleece working people and move around money in the dark, extortion settlements from media companies and law firms who gladly pay them. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025 The four were accused of conspiracy to defraud; wire fire; conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud; honest service wire fraud; and conspiracy to commit extortion. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2025 If the Flatley Court found that settlement conversation was so extreme that Mauro was liable for extortion, what will Judge Epstein do in Buzbee’s circumstance. Bill Hochberg, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

extortion

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

More from Merriam-Webster on extortion

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