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
Around the turn of the 13th century B.C.E., the 18th Dynasty pharaoh Horemheb issued an edict stating that both tax extortion and evasion could be punished by removal of the nose and exile.
—
Kate McMahon, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
These actions led to federal charges against Whitehead for financial fraud, extortion, and lying to federal authorities.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extortion 
Kate McMahon, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
These actions led to federal charges against Whitehead for financial fraud, extortion, and lying to federal authorities.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for extortion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extortion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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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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