exˈtortion
C1Formal, often legal/administrative; can be used in news or critical everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The crime of obtaining money or something of value from someone through the use of force or threats.
Any exorbitant or oppressive charge, demand, or practice that feels coercive, even if not legally criminal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Implies a severe abuse of power or position. The act itself (extortion) is distinct from the person committing it (extortionist/extortioner).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in legal definition or core usage. The verb form 'extort' is used identically.
Connotations
Identical connotations of criminality and coercion.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both legal and general discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
extortion from [person/organisation]extortion of [money/information]extortion by [means/threat]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Highway robbery (figurative, for an exorbitant price)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to corrupt practices, e.g., 'The company faced allegations of commercial extortion.'
Academic
Used in law, criminology, and political science papers analysing corrupt or coercive practices.
Everyday
Used to describe being massively overcharged or unfairly pressured, e.g., '£10 for a coffee? That's extortion!'
Technical
Strict legal term for a specific felony involving threats to obtain property.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gang attempted to extort money from local shopkeepers.
- He was found guilty of extorting confidential data.
American English
- The mobster extorted protection money from businesses.
- They were charged with conspiring to extort funds.
adverb
British English
- The tickets were priced extortionately.
- He was charged extortionately for the simple repair.
American English
- The software license was extortionately expensive.
- They priced the water extortionately during the crisis.
adjective
British English
- The extortionate price of train tickets is a national scandal.
- They made extortionate demands.
American English
- The hospital bill was absolutely extortionate.
- He faced extortionate interest rates on the loan.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The price for a bottle of water at the stadium was extortion!
- He was arrested for extortion.
- The businessman was a victim of extortion and paid the gang to avoid violence.
- The journalist exposed a complex extortion scheme within the local council.
- The prosecutor built the case on evidence of systematic extortion spanning several years.
- Critics argued that the new licensing fees constituted a form of legalised extortion against small businesses.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EXerting pressure + disTORTION of justice = EXTORTION. You EX-tort something from someone by twisting their arm (figuratively or literally).
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS STRAIGHT / CRIME IS A TWIST (extort comes from Latin 'extortus', meaning 'wrenched out').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'вымогательство' for non-criminal overcharging; in English, it's hyperbole. The legal term 'extortion' aligns closely with 'вымогательство'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'extortion' (threats for gain) with 'blackmail' (specific threat of revelation). Using it for any high price without the element of coercion or threat.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes 'extortion' in a legal sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Blackmail is a specific type of extortion where the threat is to reveal damaging or disgraceful information. Extortion is broader and can involve threats of violence, property damage, or other harm.
Yes, informally it's used hyperbolically to complain about very high prices (e.g., '£5 for an ice cream? That's extortion!'), implying the seller is 'robbing' you, though no legal threat is present.
No, while money is most common, extortion can involve demanding property, services, or actions (e.g., forcing someone to sign a contract under threat).
The key element is the use of coercion, threats, or intimidation to obtain something from someone against their will. Without a threat, it's not extortion.