extort

verb/ɪkˈstɔrt/

Frequency rank: #15,415 most common English word

Meaning

to obtain something, especially money, by using threats or force.

Illustration for the English word “extort”

Example sentence

The corrupt officer tried to extort money from the small business owner by threatening to shut down his shop.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 15,401–15,500