Definition

A person who illegally obtains money or favors from someone by threatening them or using force.

Example

The police arrested the extortioner who had been threatening local businesses for money.

Conversation

Did you hear about that extortioner who was caught last week?

Yeah, it was all over the news!

I can’t believe people actually do that kind of thing.

I know, right? It’s so dangerous and unfair to the victims.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extortioner → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "torquere" (meaning to twist or turn), combined with the agent suffix "-er" (meaning one who). An extortioner is one who twists or turns a situation to extract money or favors from others, often through coercion.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'twists' ('torquere') a situation to get something 'out of' ('ex-') another person — that's why an extortioner is someone who forces others to give up their money or favors.

Visually Confused Words