extortion
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.”
How to use extortion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishForcing someone to hand over money or property through threats rather than fair dealing.
Not the same as bribery — in bribery someone offers a benefit; in extortion someone is threatened into paying.
Word forms
extortions plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Rhymes for extortion
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.