sextortion
noun
sex·tor·tion
ˌsek-ˈstȯr-shən 
: extortion in which a perpetrator threatens to expose sexually compromising information (such as sexually explicit private images or videos of the victim) unless the victim meets certain demands
Sextortion is when an online predator tricks someone into giving them nude images or videos, and then demands money, more images, or makes other demands—threatening to share the images with the victim's friends and family if they don't comply.—
bradfordtoday.ca
bradfordtoday.caSextortion is a crime that is now sweeping the web, from organized criminal groups operating overseas to cyber-bullies at the local high school.—The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California)
The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California)Two male high school students in an Allegan County school district were recent victims of sextortion—a form of online sexual exploitation that typically occurs against kids ages 10-17.—Sherri Kolade
Sherri KoladeDeling used text messages and social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Kik and Skype, in the sextortion scheme against girls between the ages of 11 and 17, prosecutors say.—Chacour Koop
Chacour KoopExamples of sextortion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In extreme cases, sextortion has led to at least 30 suicides since 2021, according to the FBI.
—Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Australia is far from unique; the NCMEC, in the U.S., saw a rise of over 300% in reports of online enticement including sextortion from 2021 to 2023.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Offenders of financially motivated sextortion typically originate from African and Southeast Asian countries, according to the FBI.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
This company is taking advantage of sextortion victims, some customers say
A college student thought his texts and some nude photos were going to a girl.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sextortion
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.
Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Australia is far from unique; the NCMEC, in the U.S., saw a rise of over 300% in reports of online enticement including sextortion from 2021 to 2023.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Offenders of financially motivated sextortion typically originate from African and Southeast Asian countries, according to the FBI.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
This company is taking advantage of sextortion victims, some customers say
A college student thought his texts and some nude photos were going to a girl.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sextortion
Cite this Entry
“Sextortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sextortion. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share