extortion
UK: ɪkˈstɔːʃən | US: ɪkˈstɔːrʃən
n. the act of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats
n. (law) the crime of using threats or violence to compel someone to hand over property or money
extortion = ex<out> + tort<twist> + ion<noun suffix>
- ex (Latin: "out of, from")
- tort (Latin: "twist," from torquere; implies coercion or distortion)
- ion (noun-forming suffix indicating action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin extortionem, from extorquere ("to wrench out, extort"). The root tort reflects the metaphorical "twisting" of someone's will through threats. Over time, it narrowed to specifically denote illegal coercion for financial gain, retaining its violent undertones.
The gang was arrested for extortion after demanding protection money from local businesses.
Political corruption often involves extortion of public funds.
She refused to pay the extortion fee, despite the anonymous threats.
Extortion is punishable by up to 20 years in prison under federal law.
The documentary exposed a network of extortion targeting immigrants.