extort

To extort means to obtain something - usually money, property, or a service - from someone by using force, threats, blackmail, or other forms of coercion. It is more than just persuasion; it involves making someone give you something against their will through fear. The key element is the illegality and the use of wrongful pressure.

Historically, extortion was often associated with officials abusing their power - demanding bribes in exchange for services they were already supposed to provide. Today, it can take many forms. A classic example is blackmail: threatening to reveal damaging information unless money is paid. But it can also involve threats against someone's safety, family, business, or reputation.

You might hear about "extortionate" prices, meaning unfairly high and exploitative, but that usage, while related, is not quite the same as extorting something directly. Extortion requires a threat or abuse of power tied to getting something from another person. For example: "The gang was accused of extorting money from local shop owners by threatening violence." Or, "She claimed her boss tried to extort sexual favors from her by threatening to ruin her career."

Extortion is a serious crime because it undermines trust and violates individual freedom. It is about taking advantage of someone's fear or vulnerability through intimidation and unlawful demands.