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Extortionate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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extortionate

[ษชkหˆstษ”หrสƒษ™nษ™t ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

overpriced demand

Extortionate refers to something that is excessively high in price or unreasonable in terms of demand. It often conveys a sense of exploitation, where the cost or terms imposed are so severe that they resemble extortion. This term is frequently used in economic discussions to describe prices that far exceed what is considered fair or acceptable. It can apply to services, goods, fees, or even interest rates that cripple an individual's financial ability.

Synonyms

exorbitant, outrageous, unreasonable.

Examples of usage

  • The extortionate fees for the concert tickets left many fans disappointed.
  • Rent prices in the city have become extortionate, pushing many families out of their homes.
  • They charged an extortionate amount for the simple repairs needed on my car.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • Extortionate practices are illegal in many jurisdictions, with harsh penalties for offenders.
  • Laws against extortion are designed to protect individuals and businesses from fraudulent activities.
  • Extortion can take many forms, from physical threats to more subtle forms of coercion.

Economics

  • In economic terms, extortionate prices can lead to market imbalances, affecting supply and demand.
  • The concept of 'price gouging' during emergencies is closely related, where sellers raise prices unreasonably.
  • Consumer protection agencies often monitor and act against extortionate pricing practices.

Cultural Perception

  • Public outrage often arises against companies seen as extortionate, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals.
  • Movies and books frequently depict characters engaging in extortion, making it a popular theme in crime stories.
  • Cultural values around fairness influence how people react to perceived extortionate demands.

Social Impact

  • Extortionate pricing can lead to social inequality by making essential goods unaffordable to some groups.
  • Communities may band together to resist extortionate practices, advocating for fairer pricing.
  • Grassroots movements often emerge to combat high costs in vital sectors such as housing and healthcare.

Origin of 'extortionate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'extorere,' meaning 'to twist out of,' which relates to taking money by force.
  • It first appeared in English in the 18th century, often related to illegal money demands.
  • Related words, such as 'extort,' signify taking something by threat or pressure, emphasizing its forceful nature.

The word 'extortionate' originated from the root word 'extort', which comes from the Latin 'extortio', meaning 'twisting out' or 'wrenching away'. This Latin term is formed from the prefix 'ex-', meaning 'out', and 'torere', meaning 'to twist'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century, initially relating to the act of obtaining something through force or coercion. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass excessive pricing and greedy demands in economic contexts. The verb form 'extort' gained more prominence, relating to situations where someone illegally obtains money or property through threats. Consequently, 'extortionate' emerged as a descriptive term to characterize demands or prices that are unethical or abusive in nature.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,804, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.