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
Many voters associate candidates with controversial politicians Crime, particularly extortion, was the overarching concern for voters.
—
Franklin Briceño, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Crime, particularly extortion, was the overarching concern for voters.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The allegations led to the high-profile 2005 child abuse case, in which Jackson was indicted on multiple counts of molestation and conspiring to commit extortion, and child abduction.
—Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026
Liman dismissed the countersuit in June 2025, ruling in agreement with Lively's motion that Baldoni's claims of civil extortion, defamation and false light did not hold up legally.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Franklin Briceño, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Crime, particularly extortion, was the overarching concern for voters.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
The allegations led to the high-profile 2005 child abuse case, in which Jackson was indicted on multiple counts of molestation and conspiring to commit extortion, and child abduction.
—Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026
Liman dismissed the countersuit in June 2025, ruling in agreement with Lively's motion that Baldoni's claims of civil extortion, defamation and false light did not hold up legally.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
Cite this Entry
“Extortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extortion. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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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