extort
What does "extort" mean?
To extort means to obtain something, typically money or information, from someone through force, threats, or unfair means. The mental image is of someone squeezing a sponge or a person until they surrender what they are holding out of fear or desperation. While it is a legal term often used in criminal contexts—like blackmail or protection rackets—it can also be used figuratively to describe someone who uses leverage to get what they want. It carries a heavy connotation of coercion and is almost always used to describe an illegal or highly unethical act.
"extort" in conversation
Discussing a crime drama
Do you think the villain will get away with it?
Do you think the villain will get away with it?
No way, the police have proof that he tried to extort the CEO.
No way, the police have proof that he tried to extort the CEO.
Used here to describe a specific criminal act of demanding money.
A heated office meeting
He’s trying to extort a promotion out of me by threatening to leak the files.
He’s trying to extort a promotion out of me by threatening to leak the files.
That sounds like a massive HR violation.
That sounds like a massive HR violation.
Used figuratively to describe using leverage to force an outcome.
"extort" in a sentence
The gang tried to extort money from the local shop owners.
The gang tried to extort money from the local shop owners.
He was arrested for attempting to extort confidential information from his former employer.
He was arrested for attempting to extort confidential information from his former employer.
The corrupt official was found guilty of extorting favors in exchange for building permits.
The corrupt official was found guilty of extorting favors in exchange for building permits.
