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
The following month, Baldoni filed his blockbuster lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds and Lively’s publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of defamation and civil extortion.
—
Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Explosives are frequently used in criminal conflicts and extortion.
—Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
So what exactly did Buzbee do that might have amounted to extortion?
—Bill Hochberg, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
He was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder and for crimes involving drugs, guns, extortion, assault and arson, and is now serving a life sentence.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Explosives are frequently used in criminal conflicts and extortion.
—Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
So what exactly did Buzbee do that might have amounted to extortion?
—Bill Hochberg, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
He was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder and for crimes involving drugs, guns, extortion, assault and arson, and is now serving a life sentence.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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