Extortion

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈstɔːrʃən/

Definitions of extortion

noun the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats

Example Sentences

A1 Extortion is a crime.

A2 The victim was threatened with extortion if they did not pay up.

B1 The company was accused of engaging in extortion to force competitors out of business.

B2 The politician was caught on tape discussing plans for extortion to fund their campaign.

C1 The elaborate scheme of extortion involved multiple parties and layers of deception.

C2 The international criminal organization was known for its use of extortion to control various industries.

Examples of extortion in a Sentence

formal The businessman was charged with extortion for threatening to reveal damaging information unless he was paid a large sum of money.

informal The mob boss is known for his extortion tactics, always demanding money in exchange for 'protection'.

slang The scam artist was caught trying to pull an extortion scheme on unsuspecting victims.

figurative The company's strict policies felt like a form of extortion, as employees were forced to comply or face consequences.

Grammatical Forms of extortion

past tense

extorted

plural

extortions

comparative

more extortionate

superlative

most extortionate

present tense

extorts

future tense

will extort

perfect tense

has extorted

continuous tense

is extorting

singular

extortion

positive degree

extortionate

infinitive

to extort

gerund

extorting

participle

extorted

Origin and Evolution of extortion

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'extortion' has its roots in Latin, derived from the word 'extortio' meaning to twist out by force.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'extortion' has come to specifically refer to the act of obtaining money or property through coercion or force, rather than just twisting something out forcibly.