Definition

A person who takes money or something valuable from someone by using threats or force.

Example

The extorter demanded a large sum of money in exchange for not revealing the secret.

Conversation

Did you hear about that guy who got arrested for being an extorter?

Yeah, I saw it on the news this morning!

It's crazy how some people try to take advantage of others like that.

I know, right? It really makes you think about trust.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extorter → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "tor" (from Latin "tor", meaning one who performs an action). The word "extorter" refers to one who takes something out of another, typically by force or threats.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who takes something 'out of' ('ex-') another person through coercion — that's what an extorter does.

Visually Confused Words