extort
verb
ex·tort
| \ ik-ˈstȯrt
\
\
extorted;
extorting;
extorts
Definition of extort
: to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power : wring
also
: to gain especially by ingenuity or compelling argument
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Other Words from extort
extorter
noun
extortive
\ ik-ˈstȯr-tiv
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of extort in a Sentence
The criminals extorted large sums of money from their victims.
He was arrested for extorting bribes.
Recent Examples on the Web
While individuals are frequently attacked, criminals increasingly extort institutions that have deeper pockets and readily pay the ransom to minimize disruption to their operations. — Renee Dudley, ProPublica, "The Trade Secret Firms That Promised High-Tech Ransomware Solutions Almost Always Just Pay the Hackers," 15 May 2019 Mexico’s asylum system is itself overwhelmed, and there are widespread reports of migrants being attacked and extorted . — Washington Post, "Court: US can reject asylum along parts of Mexico border," 16 Aug. 2019 Two Boston City Hall officials have been convicted of conspiring to extort the founders of the Boston Calling music festival, federal prosecutors said. — Maria Cramer, BostonGlobe.com, "Jury reaches verdict in Boston Calling extortion case," 7 Aug. 2019 Prosecutors paint him as the mastermind behind a plot to kidnap, torture and extort a Newport Beach man who was mutilated and left in the desert with a female victim. — Julia Sclafani, Daily Pilot, "Ex-wife says she was ‘terrified’ of her husband, who is accused of kidnapping, torture and mutilation," 25 July 2019 The Taliban did not want a free and thriving Afghanistan; the Taliban wanted power, money, control over politicians, to terrorize women and to extort those that did not do their bidding. — Joshua Hosler, The Denver Post, "Joshua Hosler: As a former leader in Colorado’s GOP, I’m here to tell you Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is this state’s Taliban," 7 July 2019 Section 377 was inconsistently enforced, but police and others sometimes weaponized the law to harass, blackmail, or extort transgender or gay people — especially men. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "India just struck down a law banning gay sex," 6 Sep. 2018 He is also accused of enabling a plot to extort $100,000 from the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang. — Crimesider Staff, CBS News, "Feds: Mexican Mafia runs California jails like an "illegal government"," 24 May 2018 Kveton alleged Upham extorted him with a $1.5 million settlement demand, made frivolous legal arguments, filed multiple lawsuits with similar accusations, and refused to produce documents during legal discovery. — Mike Rogoway, OregonLive.com, "Oregon State Bar investigates former Washington County district attorney," 30 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extort.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for extort
extort
verb
English Language Learners Definition of extort
: to get (something, such as money) from a person by the use of force or threats
See the full definition for extort in the English Language Learners Dictionary
extort
transitive verb
ex·tort
| \ ik-ˈstȯrt
\
\
Legal Definition of extort
: to obtain (as money) from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or unlawful use of authority or power
Other Words from extort
extorter
noun
extortive
\ -ˈstȯr-tiv
\
adjective
\
adjective
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