ex
tort
Third Person
extorts
Present Participle
extorting
Past Tense
extorted
Past Participle
extorted
1
to twist or manipulate someone's words or actions in a dishonest or unfair way
- Critics argued the reporter had been skewing her coverage by continuously extorting quotes out of context.
- During the trial, the defense attorney extorted eyewitness testimony to paint his client in a more innocent light.
- By cherry-picking facts, some conspiracy theorists extort information to fit outrageous claims not supported by evidence.
Synonyms:
2
to illegally obtain money, property, or services from someone through threat of harm or force
- Mobsters were known to extort "protection money" from shop owners by threatening violence if they didn't pay up.
- Workers claimed their employer had extorted unpaid overtime by threatening to fire anyone who complained.
- Police suspected the hacker extorted bank account numbers and passwords from vulnerable victims using frightenting hoax messages.