extortion
ik-STOR-shuhn
/ɪkˈstɔː.ʃən/
The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
The victim 'consents' to giving the money, but only because they are being threatened with harm, exposure, or legal trouble.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'extortionem', meaning 'a twisting out'. It vividly describes the act of 'wringing' or 'twisting' money out of a reluctant victim.
Word relationships
- blackmail: Blackmail is a specific type of extortion that uses the threat of revealing a secret to get money.
- bequest: The act of giving something freely through a will.
Commonly confused with
- bribery: In bribery, the 'victim' offers money for a favor; in extortion, the criminal demands money to avoid a harm.
Word family
- extort (verb): To obtain by force or threat.
- extortionist (noun): A person who practices extortion.
Collocations
- extortion racket
- charged with extortion
- attempted extortion
Idioms & expressions
- shakedown
Example sentences
- "Extortion is the practice of obtaining benefit through coercion, often involving threats of physical harm or social ruin." A legal definition. (Legal Dictionary)
- "The gang was involved in the extortion of local businesses, demanding 'protection money' in exchange for not burning down their shops." A news report on crime.
Memory hook
Extortion: Like a 'torture' (tort) that 'extracts' (ex) money from you. Twisting money out of someone.
When not to use
Do not use for robbery where force is used immediately (e.g., a mugging). Extortion usually involves a future threat.
Fun facts
- In many US states, extortion is classified as a 'white-collar' crime even though it often involves the threat of violence.
Related words
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