extortion
Translation
extortion, blackmail
Examples
He was arrested for extortion.
He was arrested for extortion.
The gang used extortion to control the neighborhood.
The gang used extortion to control the neighbourhood.
Grammar Patterns
((noun)) the crime of getting sth. by force or threats He was charged with extortion.
Similar Words
Synonyms: blackmail, coercion, shakedown
Etymology
From Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'torquere' (to twist). The idea is 'twisting' something out of someone.
Memory Tips
Picture someone 'twisting' something 'out' of another person, like money or information, through force.