# extort

/ɛkˈstɔɹt/ (US) · /ɛkstˈɔːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extort
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to force someone to give you money or something else by using threats or violence. It is a serious crime that involves making someone feel afraid.

For teachers: to obtain something, typically money, by force or threats of violence. Often used in legal contexts to describe the act of coercion for personal gain.

## Examples

- The criminals tried to extort money from the shopkeeper.
- The gang was arrested after they attempted to extort protection money from local businesses.
- The witness claimed that the defendant had tried to extort a confession by threatening to release incriminating evidence during the trial.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.