Extort

To obtain (something) through force, threats, or coercion. Extortion typically involves illegal means used to secure money, favors, or information from individuals or organizations. The term is often associated with criminal activity and unethical practices, highlighting the manipulation or intimidation used to achieve one's goals.

Extort meaning with examples

• The organized crime group attempted to extort money from local business owners, threatening them with violence if they refused to comply. Fearful of repercussions, many complied, highlighting the group’s unethical methods of gaining control over the community.
• In a desperate bid to maintain power, the corrupt politician tried to extort funds from wealthy donors by coercing them with threats to expose their secrets. This tactic not only jeopardized their safety but also undermined trust in local governance.
• The hacker attempted to extort the company by demanding a large sum of money to prevent the public release of sensitive customer information. This act of cyber extortion caused significant stress among employees and shook the confidence of clients in the company’s security measures.
• After months of threats, the celebrity revealed how paparazzi would extort personal details from her family, forcing them to stay in hiding. She described the long-lasting psychological effects this had on her loved ones, illustrating the invasive nature of such extortion.
• The undercover investigation revealed that some security personnel were hired to extort protection money from vendors at the market. Their illegal actions not only harmed the vendors financially but also perpetuated a climate of fear and mistrust within the community.