v. ex·tort·ed, ex·tort·ing, ex·torts v.tr. 1. To obtain (something) by the criminal offense of extortion. 2. To obtain by coercion, intimidation, or psychological pressure: "[She] has no recourse but to model herself on her aunt in a fruitless effort to extort affection from her" (Claudia Nelson). v.intr. Law To commit the criminal offense of extortion: a conspiracy to extort. [Latin extorquēre, extort-, to wrench out, extort : ex-, ex- + torquēre, to twist; see terkw- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ex·torter n. ex·tortive adj. |
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