Extortion
/ɪkˈstɔːrʃən/
Definitions
The act of obtaining something, typically money, by force or threat.
/ɪkˈstɔːrʃən/
The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
The mafia was known for its acts of extortion, demanding protection money from local businesses.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone threatening you to get your lunch money. That's kind of like extortion, only for bigger things like cash or favors. It's all about using threats to get something you don't deserve.
👶 For kids: When someone uses threats to get something from you, like your toys or candy. That's not nice and is called extortion!
More Examples
The ransom demand was considered an act of extortion.
The journalist uncovered a case of alleged extortion involving a public official.
How It's Used
"The company was accused of extortion for demanding a large sum of money."
"The politician was implicated in an extortion scheme."
Idioms & expressions
protection money
Money demanded by criminals in return for not causing harm or damage.
"The shopkeepers were forced to pay protection money to avoid vandalism."
From Latin *extorquere* meaning 'to twist out, wrest away', from *ex-* (out) + *torquere* (to twist). The meaning evolved to include obtaining something by force or threat.
The term has been used since the 16th century, initially in the context of legal proceedings and acquiring property through wrongful means.
Memory tip
Think of a twisted arm (ex-torquere) forcing someone to give something up.
Word Origin
"to twist out, wrest away"