# extradition

/ˌɛkstɹəˈdɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɛkstɹədˈɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extradition
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the legal process of sending a person back to another country to face a trial or punishment. It usually happens when someone is accused of a crime in one country but is caught in another.

For teachers: the formal process by which one state surrenders an individual to another state for prosecution or punishment for a criminal offence. Often governed by bilateral or multilateral treaties.

## Examples

- The government requested his extradition to face trial.
- Lawyers for the suspect are fighting the extradition request, arguing that their client will not receive a fair trial in his home country.
- The treaty outlines specific crimes that warrant extradition, ensuring that political offences are excluded from the mandatory surrender of individuals between the two sovereign nations.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the phrase 'extradition treaty' or 'extradition request'. Uncountable when referring to the general legal concept; countable when referring to a specific instance or case.

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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.