EXTORTION • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Extortion

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

/ɛkstˈɔrʃən/ Listen

noun

Extortion n.

The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge.

(Law) The offense committed by an officer who corruptly claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it is due.

That which is extorted or exacted by force.

Synonyms: Oppression; rapacity; exaction; overcharge.

See images of 'Extortion'

Etymology of 'Extortion'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

"Extortion" Quotes from Famous Books

... in various other ways to manifest their subjection to the ruling race. Nowhere else do they live in conditions of such demoralizing promiscuity as in some of the cities of Morocco. They have so long been subject to unrestricted extortion on the part of the Moslems that even the wealthy Jews (who are numerous) have sunk to the habits and appearance of the poorest; and Sefrou, which has come so recently under French control, offers a good specimen ...

— In Morocco • Edith Wharton

... experience; and whilst turning the matter over in his mind a hopeful thought had suggested itself. What, he asked himself, could have been the motive of the Malays in making prisoners of those two? Was it not likely that their object was plunder, and the extortion of a ransom? And, if so, he was resolved that anything in reason which might be demanded—anything, in short, which should leave the party with the means of defending themselves and providing for their ultimate safety—should be granted. Let the wretches but be persuaded to give ...

— The Missing Merchantman • Harry Collingwood

... indeed, and he was to suffer for it. He was tried,—not on any political charge, however, the crimes alleged against him were peculation and extortion, common practices ...

— Historical Tales, Vol. 6 (of 15) - The Romance of Reality. French. • Charles Morris

... manor, the tithe-owner, and the parishioners, sometimes furnished an occasion for downright robbery of the poor. That staunch champion of high-farming and enclosures, Arthur Young, names many instances of shameful extortion on the part of landlord and attorneys. Where the village carried out its enclosure fairly and cheaply, the benefits were undoubtedly great. The wastes then became good pasture or tolerable tillage; and the common fields, previously ...

— William Pitt and the Great War • John Holland Rose

... A few of the more bashful ghosts thrust their hands in their pockets and looked awkwardly another way. The Barbarian felt a momentary relief followed by a slight pang of mortified vanity. He was a little afraid of them. The price was an extortion, certainly, but surely he was ...

— Colonel Starbottle's Client and Other Stories • Bret Harte

More quotes...