verb
extort
ik-STORT/ɪkˈstɔːrt/
To obtain something through threats or coercion.
The gang extorts money from shopkeepers by threatening to damage their stores.
Etymology
The pieces give the image of twisting or wrenching something out. Latin already used this image for obtaining something by force, the coercive sense preserved in English.
In context
the use of Armed Force wielded by officials the aim all and be all of whose existence is to extort the maximum amount of rubber in the shortest possible time
More examples
- The officers extorted a confession by threatening the suspect.
- Someone is trying to extort payment by threatening to release private photos.
- She accused her boss of extorting favors by threatening to fire employees.
Forms
extort · extorts · extorted · extorting
extortion noun — The act of obtaining something through threats.
extortionist noun — A person who obtains something through threats.