extort
Meaning
To obtain something, especially money, from someone by using force or threats.
Structure
Usage
The criminals were found guilty of attempting to extort a large sum from the businessman.
He was accused of using his position to extort bribes from contractors.
Confessions obtained by torturing suspects are effectively extorted and are not admissible as evidence.
Etymology
The word "extort" originates from the Latin verb extorquēre, a compound of ex- ("out") and torquēre ("to twist"). The literal sense was "to wrench out" or "to obtain by twisting." This vivid physical imagery evolved metaphorically into the legal and criminal concept of obtaining something, such as money or a confession, through coercion or severe pressure, effectively "twisting" it out of someone. The term entered English in the early 16th century, retaining this core idea of using force or threats to illicitly gain possession.
Analysis
- ex: A Latin prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly." - tort: From Latin torquere (to twist, wring), via the past participle stem tort-.