Meaning & Definition of word "Extortion"

Extortion

/ɪkˈstɔːrʃən/

1. The act of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
- Example: The businessman was a victim of extortion when he received demands for money in exchange for not revealing damaging information.
2. The crime of obtaining money or other valuable things from a person or entity by wrongful use of force, threats, or intimidation.
- Example: Extortion is a serious offense that can lead to significant prison time for the perpetrators.
3. An instance of extorting money or something else of value.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: milk

Example Sentence: They are just trying to milk her for cash.

Meaning: shake down

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