verb
extort
ihk-STAWT
Extort (verb) means to obtain money or something else by threats, force, or abuse of power. Example: “The gang tried to extort money from local shop owners.”
verb
1
To obtain money or something else by threats, force, or abuse of power.
"The gang tried to extort money from local shop owners."
"He was accused of trying to extort a confession from the suspect."
How to use extort
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo force someone to hand something over through threats or pressure.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
extort money
extort a confession
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like extort.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- extorts
- Past tense
- extorted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gang tried to _____ money from local shop owners.
Etymology
From Latin extorquere, "to twist or wrench out" — from ex- ("out") plus torquere ("to twist").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “extort” mean?
The word “extort” means to obtain money or something else by threats, force, or abuse of power. In plain terms, to force someone to hand something over through threats or pressure.
How do you pronounce “extort”?
“Extort” is pronounced ihk-STAWT (/ɪkˈstɔː(ɹ)t/ in IPA).
How do you use “extort” in a sentence?
Here is “extort” used in a sentence: “The gang tried to extort money from local shop owners.”
What part of speech is “extort”?
“Extort” is a verb.
Where does the word “extort” come from?
The word “extort” comes from Latin. From Latin extorquere, "to twist or wrench out" — from ex- ("out") plus torquere ("to twist").
