Extortioner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
extortioner
[ษชkหstษหrสษnษr ]
Definition
crime context
An extortioner is a person who unlawfully obtains money, property, or services from another through coercion or intimidation. This act is often associated with threats of violence or exposure of damaging information. Extortioners may operate as individuals or as part of organized crime.
Synonyms
blackmailer, coercer, threatener.
Examples of usage
- The extortioner demanded payment in exchange for silence.
- Police arrested the extortioner after a long investigation.
- The victim felt trapped by the demands of the extortioner.
- Legislation has been enacted to combat the activities of extortioners.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Perspective
- Extortion is considered a crime in most countries, with serious penalties, including jail time.
- Laws against extortion aim to protect individuals and businesses from unfair practices that can lead to fear and harm.
Pop Culture
- Extortion plots often appear in crime movies and TV shows, highlighting the dangers of gangsters and corrupt officials.
- Famous films like 'The Godfather' showcase extortion as a key element of organized crime, driving the plot through intimidation.
Social Psychology
- Studies show that extortioners often exploit vulnerabilities, leveraging fear and coercion to control their victims.
- The psychology behind extortion involves manipulation, where the extortioner preys on the victim's emotions and relationships.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, many powerful figures, including kings, have been accused of extortion, using their position to extract wealth from the less powerful.
- In medieval times, extortion was often related to the feudal system, where lords demanded payments from peasants in exchange for protection.
Origin of 'extortioner'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old French 'extorcion', which means 'to twist or wrest' something from someone.
- Roots trace back to Latin 'extorquet', meaning 'to wrench out of', describing the coercive nature of this act.
The word 'extortioner' derives from the Latin verb 'extor-quere', meaning to twist out or wrench out, which reflects the coercive methods employed by such individuals. This term gained prominence in English from the early 15th century, evolving to denote not just the act of extorting but also its perpetrator. Over the centuries, extortion has been associated with various criminal activities, including racketeering and organized crime. The rise of technology and social media has also introduced new avenues for extortioners to operate, expanding the definition further into digital realms, thus making the term increasingly relevant in modern discussions about crime.