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 Wisconsin alone, sextortion cases have steadily climbed.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Authorities say sextortion is a form of online exploitation where victims are pressured or manipulated into sending sensitive images to someone.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025
The end result could be financial scam such as a crypto investment, or a romance scam where the by-chance encounter with a wrong number seems to lead to more, or that could escalate into a sextortion scam, if the exchange includes sharing images.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Shannon Heacock, a mother advocating for online safety after her son's suicide due to sextortion, calls for greater protection for victims.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sextortion
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Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Authorities say sextortion is a form of online exploitation where victims are pressured or manipulated into sending sensitive images to someone.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025
The end result could be financial scam such as a crypto investment, or a romance scam where the by-chance encounter with a wrong number seems to lead to more, or that could escalate into a sextortion scam, if the exchange includes sharing images.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Shannon Heacock, a mother advocating for online safety after her son's suicide due to sextortion, calls for greater protection for victims.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 May 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 31 Dec. 2025.
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