Extortion

/ɪkˈstɔːrʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

The businessman was a victim of extortion when he received demands for money in exchange for not revealing damaging information.

The crime of obtaining money or other valuable things from a person or entity by wrongful use of force, threats, or intimidation.

Extortion is a serious offense that can lead to significant prison time for the perpetrators.

An instance of extorting money or something else of value.

The police arrested the gang for their involvement in a series of extortion cases targeting local shop owners.

Middle English 'extorcioun', from Latin 'extortio', from 'extorquere', meaning 'to twist out'.

extortionate prices

Prices that are excessively high, often unreasonably so.

to extort a confession

To use threats or coercion to obtain a confession from someone.

extortion racket

An illegal business that involves extorting money from victims.

blackmail

The act of threatening to reveal damaging information unless payment is made.

coercion

The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

exaction

The act of demanding and obtaining something, often by force.

milk

They are just trying to milk her for cash.

shake down

The local thugs are always looking to shake down new businesses.