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extort

verb

/ɪkˈstɔrt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of extort

To obtain something, typically money, property, or valuable favors, through coercion, threats, or force.
"The con artist tried to extort money from vulnerable individuals by promising false investment opportunities."

Detailed meaning of extort

When someone extorts, they use intimidation, manipulation, or undue pressure to extract concessions or gain unjust advantages from others. This can involve employing tactics such as blackmail, threats of violence, or exploiting someone's vulnerabilities to compel compliance. Extortion is a serious criminal offense and is considered a form of exploitation and abuse. Those who engage in extortion seek to exert control and power over their victims, often aiming to benefit themselves financially or gain leverage in a particular situation. Extortion can occur in various contexts, ranging from organized crime activities to individual acts of intimidation. It is universally condemned as it violates the rights and autonomy of individuals, undermining trust and social order.

Example sentences containing extort

1. The criminal attempted to extort money from the business owner by threatening to vandalize the property.
2. The corrupt official was arrested for trying to extort bribes from local businesses.
3. The kidnappers sought to extort a ransom for the safe return of the hostage.
4. He was charged with extortion after trying to extort confidential information from his former employer.
5. The online scammer used phishing techniques to extort personal information from unsuspecting victims.
6. The blackmailer attempted to extort compromising photos from the celebrity.

History and etymology of extort

The verb 'extort' has a notable etymology that reveals its coercive nature. It finds its origins in the Latin word 'extorquere,' which is a combination of 'ex,' meaning 'out,' and 'torquere,' meaning 'to twist' or 'to wrench.' In essence, 'extorquere' signifies the act of forcibly twisting something out of someone. As Latin evolved into Middle English, this term became 'extort,' retaining its fundamental sense of obtaining something through coercion or threats. Whether it involves extracting money, property, or valuable favors by means of force or intimidation, the term 'extort' aptly captures the notion of twisting or wrenching something out of another person, reflecting its etymological roots in the concept of coercion and manipulation.

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Further usage examples of extort

1. The gang members extorted protection money from local shop owners.
2. The hacker threatened to release sensitive data unless the company paid a hefty sum to extort them.
3. The corrupt politician was caught on tape trying to extort favors from a prominent businessman.
4. The loan shark used threats and intimidation to extort exorbitant interest rates from borrowers.
5. The criminal organization used violence and fear to extort control over the neighborhood.
6. The criminal attempted to extort a hefty sum from the business owner.
7. The corrupt official used his power to extort bribes from citizens.
8. The gangsters threatened to extort information from the frightened witness.
9. She refused to let anyone extort her hard-earned reputation.
10. The blackmailer tried to extort embarrassing photos from his victim.
11. The hacker attempted to extort sensitive data from the company's servers.
12. The kidnappers planned to extort a ransom for the safe return of the child.
13. The ruthless dictator used fear to extort loyalty from his subjects.
14. The con artist tried to extort money from unsuspecting investors.
15. The union leader warned against attempts to extort concessions from workers.
16. The loan shark would often extort exorbitant interest rates from borrowers.
17. The politician faced allegations of trying to extort political favors.
18. The spy tried to extort classified information from the captured agent.
19. The mob boss used violence to extort protection money from businesses.
20. The online scammer attempted to extort cryptocurrency from victims.
21. The attorney accused the opposing party of trying to extort a settlement.
22. The hacker threatened to extort the company's trade secrets.
23. The rogue employee sought to extort confidential documents from the company.
24. The ruthless landlord tried to extort higher rent from tenants.
25. The corrupt police officer was arrested for attempting to extort money from motorists.