Extort Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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extort

[ɪkˈstɔːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

crime

To extort means to obtain something by force, threats, or other unfair means. It involves using pressure or intimidation to make someone do something they don't want to do.

Synonyms

blackmail, coerce, intimidate, threaten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
extort	This word is used when someone is forcing another person to give them money, property, or other things of value by using threats, violence, or pressure. The gang members tried to extort money from local business owners. He was arrested for attempting to extort a famous actor.
coerce	Coerce is used when someone is being forced to do something against their will through pressure, threats, or intimidation. The kidnappers tried to coerce the captive into giving up valuable information. He was coerced into signing the contract under duress.
blackmail	Blackmail involves threatening to reveal embarrassing, damaging, or sensitive information unless demands, usually for money, are met. She was a victim of blackmail after someone threatened to leak her private photos. The politician faced blackmail from someone who had incriminating evidence against him.
intimidate	Intimidate is used when someone is being frightened or overawed, especially to make them do what one wants. The bully tried to intimidate the younger kids. The loud and aggressive tone was meant to intimidate the employees.
threaten	This word is used when someone is making a statement of intent to cause harm or trouble unless their demands are met. He threatened to report her to the authorities if she didn't comply with his demands. The anonymous caller threatened to bomb the building if his requests weren't fulfilled.

Examples of usage

He extorted money from the shopkeeper by threatening to burn down his store.
The gang extorted protection money from local businesses.
If you continue to extort money from innocent people, you will face severe consequences.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

law

In a legal context, to extort means to obtain something through unlawful coercion or intimidation. It is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by law.

Synonyms

blackmail, coerce, intimidate, threaten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
extort	Use this word when someone is trying to get something, usually money, through threats or force. He tried to extort money from the businessman. The gang extorted protection money from local shops.
coerce	Use this word when someone is being forced to do something against their will, often through threats or pressure. They were coerced into signing the contract. The witness was coerced into testifying falsely.
blackmail	This word is suitable when someone is threatening to reveal personal or damaging information unless they get what they want. She was blackmailed into giving them the money. He used private photos to blackmail his colleague.
intimidate	This word is appropriate when someone is trying to make another person afraid or anxious, usually to control or influence them. The bully tried to intimidate the younger kids. He was intimidated by the threatening messages.
threaten	Use this word when someone is expressing an intent to cause harm or negative consequences to another person. She threatened to call the police if he didn’t leave. The dam threatened to collapse under the heavy rain.

Examples of usage

The prosecutor accused the defendant of attempting to extort a confession from the witness.
The criminal was charged with extortion for trying to extort money from the victim.
The company was found guilty of extorting confidential information from its competitors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

Extortion is often considered a crime in many jurisdictions and can carry severe penalties.
It is distinct from robbery, which involves immediate physical force; extortion can occur through threats of future harm.
Many high-profile cases of extortion involve celebrities being blackmailed over secrets or personal information.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict extortion in crime genres, showcasing villains who threaten protagonists to achieve their goals.
Books like 'The Godfather' have characters that engage in extortion to exert power and control over others.
TV shows also portray extortion rings, highlighting the real dangers of such activities in society.

Psychology

Extortion can create significant psychological stress for victims, leading to feelings of powerlessness and anxiety.
Study in behavioral psychology shows that fear can profoundly impact decision-making, making victims comply to avoid harm.
Understanding the mindset of an extortive individual can reveal patterns of manipulation and control in interpersonal relationships.

History

Ancient rulers often practiced extortion via tributes from conquered territories to maintain control and wealth.
During the Renaissance, some popes reportedly used extortion for financial gain, demanding money in exchange for forgiveness.
Extortion has been a tactic in conflicts and wars, with opposing sides attempting to gain the upper hand by threatening local populations.

Origin of 'extort'

Main points about word origin

The term traces back to the Latin word 'extortus', meaning 'to twist out'.
Originally used legally in the 15th century, it referred specifically to illegal coercion.
The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of', while 'tor' relates to twisting – literally meaning 'to twist out of someone'.

The word 'extort' originated from the Latin word 'extortus', which means 'twisted out'. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. The concept of extortion has been present throughout history, often associated with crime and abuse of power. Extortion is condemned by law and society as a coercive and unethical practice.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,919, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22916 clammy
22917 dilatory
22918 swoop
22919 extort
22920 treasonable
22921 unaccounted
22922 inhumanity
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