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extort
[ik-stawrt]
verb (used with object)
Law.
to wrest or wring (money, information, etc.) from a person by violence, intimidation, or abuse of authority; obtain by force, torture, threat, or the like.
to take illegally by reason of one's office.
to compel (something) of a person or thing.
Her wit and intelligence extorted their admiration.
extort
/ ɪˈɔː /
verb
to secure (money, favours, etc) by intimidation, violence, or the misuse of influence or authority
to obtain by importunate demands
the children extorted a promise of a trip to the zoo
to overcharge for (something, esp interest on a loan)
Other 51Թ Forms
- extorter noun
- extortive adjective
- nonextortive adjective
- unextorted adjective
- ˈٴǰپ adjective
- ˈٴǰٱ noun
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of extort1
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of extort1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Victims and their family members were extorted for large amounts of money in order to be released, officials said.
His efforts to extort some kind of “peace deal” from Putin — which Trump repeatedly claimed he could accomplish in 24 hours — have descended to online pouting and whining.
Her husband told agents that he had once been kidnapped by cartel members in Mexico who extorted money and threatened to kill him.
Earlier this month, cyber criminals infiltrated the Co-op's IT networks apparently trying to extort money from the grocery chain.
"He then proceeded to threaten and extort these children to provide him with naked images of themselves."
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When To Use
Extort means to use violence, threats, intimidation, or pressure from one’s authority to force someone to hand over money (or something else of value) or do something they don’t want to do.Extort is commonly used in this literal way, but it can also be used in a few more general or figurative ways.It can mean to overcharge someone for something, as in If you ask me, the textbooks companies are extorting us by coming out with new editions every year. It can also mean to obtain through relentless and unreasonable demands, as in The kids are good at extorting treats from their grandparents just by constantly asking.These senses liken such actions to the actual crime of extortion. More generally, the word extortion refers to the act of extorting. Such actions can be described as extortionary. A person who engages in extortion can be called an extortionist or an extortioner.Example: The mob regularly extorts money from small business owners through intimidation.
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