extortion
ik-STOR-shuhn
/ɪkˈstɔːr.ʃən/
The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force, threats, or intimidation.
Involves coercion where the victim pays under threat of harm, exposure, or financial ruin.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'extorquere', meaning 'to twist out' or 'wrest away' (ex- meaning 'out' and torquere meaning 'to twist'). The word literally evokes wringing money out of someone by brute force.
Word relationships
- blackmail: Blackmail specifically threatens to reveal damaging information, while extortion includes physical or legal threats.
- coercion: Coercion is the broader act of forcing action; extortion specifically targets gain or payment.
- voluntary contribution: Freely given funds without any pressure.
Commonly confused with
- bribe: Extortion forces payment through threats; bribery entices payment through mutual favor.
Word family
- extort (verb): To obtain something by force or threats.
- extortionist (noun): A person who practices extortion.
Collocations
- attempted extortion
- extortion racket
- charge with extortion
- extortion demands
Idioms & expressions
- protection racket
Example sentences
- "The gang was charged with extortion after threatening shopkeepers who refused to pay protection money." Criminal Law
- "Federal prosecutors alleged a systemic extortion scheme run by local building inspectors." News Report
Memory hook
EXTORTION twists money out like an EX-TOR-ture tactic. Wringing money out by force.
When not to use
Do not use when both parties voluntarily participate in corruption without threats.
Fun facts
- In legal terms, extortion committed by a public officer under color of office is one of the oldest recorded common-law crimes.
Related words
Also appears in
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