KJV Dictionary Definition: extort

extort

EXTORT', v.t. L. extortus, from extorqueo, to wrest from; ex and torqueo, to twist.

1. To draw from by force or compulsion; to wrest or wring from by physical force, by menace, duress, violence, authority, or by an illegal means. Conquerors extort contributions from the vanquished; tyrannical princes extort money from their subjects; officers often extort illegal fees; confessions of guilt are extorted by the rack. A promise extorted by duress is not binding.

2. To gain by violence or oppression.

EXTORT', v.i. To practice extortion.

extorted

EXTORT'ED, pp. Drawn from by compulsion; wrested from.

extorter

EXTORT'ER, n. One who extorts, or practices extortion.

extorting

EXTORT'ING, ppr. Wresting from by force or undue exercise of power.

extortion

EXTOR'TION, n. The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting any thing from a person by force,duress, menaces, authority,or by any undue exercise of power; illegal exaction; illegal compulsion to pay money, or to do some other act. Extortion is an offense punishable at common law.

1. Force or illegal compulsion by which any thing is taken from a person.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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