Obtained something from someone through coercion, threats, or force; unlawfully taking money or property by intimidation.
From Latin 'extortus' (twisted out), from 'ex-' (out) + 'torquere' (to twist). The word originally meant physically wringing something out, then evolved to mean forcing concessions.
Extortion has been a crime for centuries—Roman emperors literally had officials who would 'extort' taxes using threats, making extortion one of the oldest organized crimes in history!
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