extort
Translation
to blackmail, to extract by force
Examples
He tried to extort money from the shop owner.
He tried to extort money from the shop owner.
They extorted a confession from him by threats.
They extorted a confession from him by threats.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) from ((sb.)) to get (sth.) from (sb.) by force or threats The gang extorted money from local businesses.
Similar Words
Synonyms: blackmail, coerce, extract
Etymology
From Latin 'ex-' (out) and 'torquere' (to twist). Literally 'to twist out'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'twisting' something 'out' of someone's hands against their will. 'Ex' (out) + 'tort' (twist).