extort

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Extorted; p. pr. & vb. n. Extorting. ] [ L. extortus, p. p. of extorquere to twist or wrench out, to extort; ex out + torquere to turn about, twist. See Torsion. ] 1. To wrest from an unwilling person by physical force, menace, duress, torture, or any undue or illegal exercise of power or ingenuity; to wrench away (from); to tear away; to wring (from); to exact; as, to extort contributions from the vanquished; to extort confessions of guilt; to extort a promise; to extort payment of a debt. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) To get by the offense of extortion. See Extortion, 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To practice extortion. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

p. p. & a. [ L. extortus. p. p. ] Extorted. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who practices extortion. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. extorsion. ] 1. The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) The offense committed by an officer who corruptly claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it is due. Abbott. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which is extorted or exacted by force.

Syn. -- Oppression; rapacity; exaction; overcharge. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Extortionate. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Characterized by extortion; oppressive; hard. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who practices extortion; an extortionist. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who practices extortion.
Syn. -- extortioner. [ PJC ]