Legal Definitions - extort

Definition: To force someone to do something or give something by using threats or violence. It is also to obtain something by using unfair or illegal methods.

Examples:

• The kidnappers extorted a large sum of money from the victim's family in exchange for his release.
• The corrupt official extorted bribes from local businesses in order to grant them permits.

These examples illustrate how someone can use threats or intimidation to obtain something from another person. In the first example, the kidnappers used the threat of harm to the victim to extort money from his family. In the second example, the corrupt official used his power to grant permits to extort bribes from local businesses.