extortion

ex-tor-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

  2. 2.

    The criminal offense of using threats to obtain money or other benefits.

Forms

plural: extortions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Extortion racket — An organized scheme to obtain money through threats.

Related words

See also: blackmail, coercion, threat
Synonyms: blackmail, coercion, racketeering, shakedown

Etymology

From Latin extortio meaning "a twisting out," from extorquere meaning "to twist out, wrest away," from ex- meaning "out" and torquere meaning "to twist."