Extortion: meaning, definitions and examples

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extortion

[ ɪkˈstɔːʃ(ə)n ]

^{Context #1}

crime

The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

Synonyms

blackmail, coercion, intimidation

Examples of usage

The gang was involved in extortion and racketeering.
She was charged with extortion after threatening to release embarrassing information.

^{Context #2}

legal

The crime of obtaining money or property by threat or force.

Synonyms

exaction, extortionate demands, shakedown

Examples of usage

He was arrested for extortion and fraud.
The company was a victim of extortion by the corrupt officials.

Translations

Translations of the word "extortion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extorsão

🇮🇳 वसूली

🇩🇪 Erpressung

🇮🇩 pemerasan

🇺🇦 вимагання

🇵🇱 wymuszenie

🇯🇵 ゆすり

🇫🇷 extorsion

🇪🇸 extorsión

🇹🇷 şantaj

🇰🇷 갈취

🇸🇦 ابتزاز

🇨🇿 vydírání

🇸🇰 vydieranie

🇨🇳 敲诈 (qiāozhà)

🇸🇮 izsiljevanje

🇮🇸 hótun

🇰🇿 қорқытып алушылық

🇬🇪 გამოძალვა

🇦🇿 qəsb

🇲🇽 extorsión

Word origin

The word 'extortion' originated from the Latin word 'extortus', past participle of 'extorquere', which means 'to wrench out'. The concept of extortion has been present in various societies throughout history, often associated with criminal activities and abuse of power. Laws against extortion have been developed to protect individuals and businesses from such coercive practices.