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Extort - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To extort means to obtain something, often money, through force, threats, or intimidation. It involves coercing someone unwillingly to comply with demands, typically in an illegal or unethical manner.

extort

/ɪkˈstɔrt/ /ɪkˈstɔːt/

Definition:

To obtain something by force, threats, or unfair means.

Synonyms:

Coerce, blackmail, squeeze, wrest

Part of Speech:

Verb

Antonyms:

Give, donate

Common Collocations:

Extort money, extort information, extort a confession

Derivatives:

Extortion, extortionist

Usage Tips:

Use "extort" when describing illegal or unethical pressure to gain something from someone.

Common Phrases:

Extort money, extort a promise, extort under duress

Etymology:

From Latin "extortus," meaning "wrested away."

Examples:

  • 1. The gang tried to extort money from the shop owner.
  • 2. He was arrested for attempting to extort confidential data from the company.
  • 3. They used threats to extort a false confession from him.
  • 4. Corrupt officials often extort bribes from local businesses.

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