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Extortionate: meaning, definitions and examples

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extortionate

 

[ ɪkˈstɔːrʃənət ]

Adjective
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

Translations of the word "extortionate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extorsivo

🇮🇳 सामर्थ्य से अधिक

🇩🇪 wuchernd

🇮🇩 pemerasan

🇺🇦 вимагальницький

🇵🇱 wygórowany

🇯🇵 法外な

🇫🇷 exorbitant

🇪🇸 extorsionante

🇹🇷 aşırı

🇰🇷 착취적인

🇸🇦 مبالغ فيه

🇨🇿 extorční

🇸🇰 vydieračský

🇨🇳 敲诈的

🇸🇮 izsiljevalski

🇮🇸 vöxtur

🇰🇿 бопсалаушы

🇬🇪 ძალადობრივი

🇦🇿 şantaj

🇲🇽 extorsionante

Word origin

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.