extortion

ex·tor·tion

noun

Extortion is defined as the practice of trying to get something through force, threats or blackmail.

When you threaten to release embarrassing pictures of someone unless he gives you $100, this is an example of extortion.

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MLA Style

"extortion." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Extortion>.

APA Style

extortion. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Extortion

extortion

1. the act of extorting, or getting money, etc. by threats, misuse of authority, etc.: sometimes applied to the exaction of too high a price
2. the legal offense committed by an official who extorts
something extorted

Origin of extortion

Middle English extorcioun from Old French extorcion from Ecclesiastical Late Latin extorsio from Classical Latin extortus

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"extortion." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 14 January 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Extortion>.

APA Style

extortion. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Extortion

extortion

noun

Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage.
The act or an instance of extorting something, as by psychological pressure.
An excessive or exorbitant charge.

Related Forms:

ex·tor′tion·ar′y
adjective

ex·tor′tion·ist ex·tor′tion·er
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.