Extortionist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
extortionist
[ษชkหstษหส(ษ)nษชst ]
Definition
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?
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'extortionist'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'extortionist' originated from the Latin word 'extortio', which means 'to wrest away by force'. The concept of extortion has been present throughout history, with instances of individuals using threats and coercion to obtain money or goods. Extortionists have been depicted in various forms of literature and media, highlighting the criminal nature of their actions.
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.