extortion
ik-STOR-shun
/ɪkˈstɔːrʃn/
The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force, threats, or coercion.
Involves compelling a victim to give up assets or perform actions through intimidation or blackmail.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'extorquere' (to wrench out or twist away), metaphorically twisting money or concessions out of someone.
Word relationships
- blackmail: Blackmail specifically uses reputation threats; extortion covers violence and intimidation broadly.
Commonly confused with
- robbery: Robbery takes property by immediate force, whereas extortion usually involves threats of future harm.
Word family
- extort (verb): To obtain by force or threats.
- extortionist (noun): A person who practices extortion.
Collocations
- extortion scheme
- extortion plot
- charged with extortion
Example sentences
- "The syndicate ran an extortion racket that forced local shopkeepers to pay protection money monthly." Organized crime investigation
Memory hook
EXTORTION TWISTS (torquere) money OUT (ex) of victims. Forcing payment through threats.
When not to use
Do not use for simple theft where no threat or pressure is exerted on the victim.
Fun facts
- Extortion was historically restricted to public officials abusing their office; modern law expanded it to private threats.
Related words
Also appears in
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