noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

extortion

ihk-STAW-shuhn

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Extortion (noun) means the crime of getting money or property from someone by using threats, force, or intimidation. Example: “The gang was charged with extortion after threatening shop owners for protection money.”

noun

The crime of getting money or property from someone by using threats, force, or intimidation.

"The gang was charged with extortion after threatening shop owners for protection money."

"Demanding a bribe to approve the permit is straightforward extortion."

"Heck, what's a little extortion among friends?" — Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (comic) (1986)

How to use extortion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishForcing someone to hand over money or property through threats rather than fair dealing.

Common mistake

Not the same as bribery — in bribery someone offers a benefit; in extortion someone is threatened into paying.

Common pairings

charged with extortion a form of extortion extortion racket

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: extortions

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The gang was charged with _____ after threatening shop owners for protection money.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman extorcion, ultimately from Latin extorquēre, "to twist or wrench out" — the same idea as forcibly wringing something from someone.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for extortion

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What does “extortion” mean?

The word “extortion” means the crime of getting money or property from someone by using threats, force, or intimidation. In plain terms, forcing someone to hand over money or property through threats rather than fair dealing.

How do you pronounce “extortion”?

“Extortion” is pronounced ihk-STAW-shuhn (/ɪkˈstɔɹʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “extortion” in a sentence?

Here is “extortion” used in a sentence: “The gang was charged with extortion after threatening shop owners for protection money.”

What part of speech is “extortion”?

“Extortion” is a noun.

Where does the word “extortion” come from?

The word “extortion” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman extorcion, ultimately from Latin extorquēre, "to twist or wrench out" — the same idea as forcibly wringing something from someone.

Is “extortion” a common word?

“Extortion” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.