extortion
NounUS[ek-stawr-shuhn]/ɛkˈstɔrʃən/3 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (3)
- an exorbitant chargeType of overcharge
- unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority)“the extortion by dishonest officials of fees for performing their sworn duty”Type of exaction
- the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)Type of felonyKinds shakedown, blackmail, protection
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Ex·tor′tion noun
Origin: F. extorsion.
1. The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge.
2. Law The offense committed by an officer who corruptly claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it is due. Benjamin Vaughan. Abbott
3. That which is extorted or exacted by force.
Synonyms: Oppression; rapacity; exaction; overcharge.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54