Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Extortionist: meaning, definitions and examples

🕵️‍♂️
Add to dictionary

extortionist

 

[ɪkˈstɔːʃ(ə)nɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

criminal activity

A person who obtains money or services from someone by using force, threats, or intimidation.

Synonyms

blackmailer, coercer, racketeer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
extortionist

An extortionist seeks money or benefits through threats or force. This term is often used in legal contexts or news reports concerning crimes for monetary gain.

  • The business owner was afraid of the extortionist demanding a large sum of money for protection.
  • Authorities arrested an extortionist who was threatening local shopkeepers.
blackmailer

A blackmailer threatens to reveal personal, private, or damaging information unless certain demands are met. This term is commonly used in situations involving personal secrets or sensitive information.

  • She was the victim of a blackmailer who had photos that could ruin her career.
  • The blackmailer demanded money to keep the scandalous emails secret.
racketeer

A racketeer is involved in criminal activity, typically organized crime, engaging in schemes to extort money. This term is often used in discussions about mafia and organized crime groups.

  • The police raided the headquarters of a well-known racketeer.
  • He was accused of being a racketeer, running illegal gambling operations.
coercer

A coercer uses threats or pressure to make someone do something against their will. This can refer to a variety of contexts, including personal relationships, business dealings, or aggressive negotiations.

  • The coercer forced him to sign the contract under threat of violence.
  • He acted as a coercer, compelling others to comply with his demands.

Examples of usage

  • The extortionist demanded a large sum of money from the businessman in exchange for not harming his family.
  • The extortionist threatened to release damaging information about the politician unless he paid up.
  • The extortionist was arrested by the police for his illegal activities.
  • The extortionist targeted vulnerable individuals in order to exploit them for financial gain.
  • The extortionist faces serious criminal charges for his actions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'extortionem,' meaning 'to wrest away' or 'to take by force,' which was used to describe seizing through threats.
  • Its usage in English dates back to the late Middle Ages, reflecting societal issues around power and coercion.
  • The suffix '-ist' denotes a person who performs a certain action, meaning that an extortionist is literally someone who engages in extorting.

Law

  • Extortion is illegal in many jurisdictions and is often charged as a felony due to its serious nature and potential harm.
  • Many high-profile criminal cases involve extortion, where threats and intimidation are used to obtain money or favors.
  • Laws surrounding extortion vary, with some places considering threats of violence, harm to reputation, or illegal actions as tools of extortion.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, powerful figures and organized crime groups have employed extortion tactics to maintain control and influence.
  • In ancient Rome, public officials could be prosecuted for extortion if they used their position to unfairly demand money from citizens.
  • The rise of modern-day gangs has seen a renewed focus on extortion as a primary method of revenue generation in illegal activities.

Psychology

  • Extortionists often manipulate emotions, exploiting fear and vulnerability in their victims to achieve their goals.
  • Research suggests that power dynamics play a significant role in extortion, where the perpetrator feels a sense of control over their victim.
  • This behavior can be linked to broader psychological issues, including a desire for dominance or feelings of inadequacy.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and television often portray extortionists as cunning villains, creating suspense through their manipulative tactics.
  • Famous films like 'The Godfather' depict the use of extortion within organized crime, highlighting its impact on both personal and community levels.
  • Books and graphic novels sometimes feature extortion plots, drawing readers into the high-stakes world of crime and morality.

Translations

Translations of the word "extortionist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extorsionista

🇮🇳 ज़बरदस्ती करने वाला

🇩🇪 Erpresser

🇮🇩 pemeras

🇺🇦 вимагач

🇵🇱 szantażysta

🇯🇵 恐喝者 (きょうかつしゃ)

🇫🇷 extorqueur

🇪🇸 extorsionista

🇹🇷 şantajcı

🇰🇷 협박자 (협박하는 사람)

🇸🇦 ابتزازي

🇨🇿 vyděrač

🇸🇰 vydierač

🇨🇳 敲诈者 (qiāozhàzhě)

🇸🇮 izsiljevalec

🇮🇸 hótunarmaður

🇰🇿 бопсалаушы

🇬🇪 გამოძალველი

🇦🇿 hədə-qorxu gələn

🇲🇽 extorsionista

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,762, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.