extortion

1 of 2

noun (1)

ex·​tor·​tion ik-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce extortion (audio)
Synonyms of extortion
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
ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce extortion (audio)
noun
extortionist
ik-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce extortion (audio)
noun

extortionist

2 of 2

noun (2)

ex·​tor·​tion·​ist -sh(ə)nə̇st How to pronounce extortionist (audio)
plural -s
: extortioner

Synonyms of extortion

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Noun (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of extortion in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.
Noun
In Michoacan, the cartels produce and traffic drugs and engage in violence and extortion across multiple industries, including the avocado industry where payments to the cartels can impact prices of the fruit. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 The halt follows years of cartel violence and extortion in the avocado belt. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 His group now carries out kidnappings, extortions, and evictions in farming communities. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 The demand for $2,000 in Litecoin, the 48-hour deadline and the warning against contacting police all point to an extortion scam built to create panic. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extortion

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extortion was in the 14th century

Rhymes for extortion

See All Rhymes for extortion

Browse Nearby Words

extort
extortion
extortionary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extortion

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

More from Merriam-Webster on extortion

Nglish: Translation of extortion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extortion

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