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
Federal prosecutors allege Flores was part of the inner circle of TdA leadership operating in Bogota, Colombia, overseeing a network involved in cocaine trafficking, extortion, and prostitution.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
This four-part docuseries delves into how the case was made against over 300 people, with charges of murder, extortion, money laundering, and more.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Agents from the Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector arrested a man who was in the country illegally and was wanted in Mexico for kidnapping and extortion, according to the agency.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
The network has experienced controversy over the years, including FCC investigations, criticism for broadcasting in Israel and Marcus Lamb infamously admitting to an affair on air in 2010 amid extortion claims.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extortion
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Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
This four-part docuseries delves into how the case was made against over 300 people, with charges of murder, extortion, money laundering, and more.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Agents from the Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector arrested a man who was in the country illegally and was wanted in Mexico for kidnapping and extortion, according to the agency.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
The network has experienced controversy over the years, including FCC investigations, criticism for broadcasting in Israel and Marcus Lamb infamously admitting to an affair on air in 2010 amid extortion claims.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 8 May 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 21 May. 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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