Extortion Meaning in English
word
Definition
The crime of obtaining something, especially money, through force, threats, or intimidation. Informally, charging excessively high prices.
Usage & Nuances
Differs from blackmail: extortion uses threats of violence or harm, while blackmail threatens to reveal damaging information. Informally, 'that's extortion!' is used for anything unreasonably expensive. Collocations: extortion racket, extortion charges, guilty of extortion.
Example Sentences
The CEO was charged with extortion after it emerged he'd been threatening board members.
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Twenty dollars for a bottle of water? That's extortion!
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He was arrested for extortion after threatening local businesses.
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Extortion is a serious crime that can lead to years in prison.
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Paying that much for parking in this city feels like legalised extortion.
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The gang ran an extortion racket, demanding monthly payments from shop owners.
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