extortion
Translation
extortion, blackmail
Examples
He was arrested for extortion.
He was arrested for extortion.
The gang used extortion to control the area.
The gang used extortion to control the area.
Grammar Patterns
((extortion)) ((of sth.)) ((from sb.)) the act of getting (sth.) from (sb.) by force The extortion of money from local businesses was common.
Similar Words
Synonyms: blackmail, coercion, intimidation
Etymology
From Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'torquere' (to twist). It means 'to twist something out of someone'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'twisting' someone's arm to get money or information from them.