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Extorted: meaning, definitions and examples

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extorted

 

[ ɪkˈstɔːrtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

illegal act

Extorted refers to the act of obtaining something, especially money or personal information, through coercion or threats. It involves manipulating or intimidating someone to act against their will, often using fear or pressure. This illegal act may occur in various contexts, including business dealings, relationships, or criminal activities. The term is frequently associated with organized crime and blackmail.

Synonyms

blackmailed, coerced, extracted

Examples of usage

  • He was extorted for a large sum of money.
  • The hacker extorted sensitive data from the company.
  • She reported that she was extorted by a former associate.

Translations

Translations of the word "extorted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extorquido

🇮🇳 जबरदस्ती लिया गया

🇩🇪 erpresst

🇮🇩 diperas

🇺🇦 вимагав

🇵🇱 wymuszony

🇯🇵 強要された

🇫🇷 extorqué

🇪🇸 extorsionado

🇹🇷 zorla alındı

🇰🇷 착취된

🇸🇦 مُنتَزَع

🇨🇿 vydírán

🇸🇰 vydieraný

🇨🇳 被敲诈

🇸🇮 izsiljen

🇮🇸 framið

🇰🇿 бопсалған

🇬🇪 ძალადობრივად გაწვდილი

🇦🇿 zorla alındı

🇲🇽 extorsionado

Word origin

The term 'extorted' derives from the Latin word 'extortus', which is the past participle of 'extorquere'. 'Extorquere' combines 'ex-', meaning 'out', with 'torquere', meaning 'to twist' or 'to turn'. This etymology reflects the essence of the word, implying the twisting of someone's arm to make them give something against their will. The usage of 'extort' in English can be traced back to the late 15th century, where it initially referred to the act of obtaining something forcibly. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various forms of coercion beyond physical violence, often being associated with legal contexts, financial crimes, and criminal activities. The concept of extortion has been significant in law, as it establishes critical boundaries around the use of threats in obtaining money or property.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,191, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.