Basic Details
Word: Extort
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To obtain money or something valuable from someone through threats or pressure.
Synonyms: Blackmail, Coerce, Extract
Antonyms: Give, Surrender
Idioms and Phrases
- Extort a confession: Forcing someone to admit guilt through pressure. Example: "The detective tried to extort a confession from the suspect, but he remained silent."
- Extort money: Demanding money through intimidation or threats. Example: "The villain planned to extort money from the bank manager by threatening his family."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The criminals tried to extort money from the wealthy businessman by making threats.
Example 2: It is illegal to extort information from someone using fear or intimidation.
Example 3: The police were alerted when someone attempted to extort a local shopkeeper.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the word "extort" comes from the Latin word "extorere," which means "to take out," combining "ex" (out) and "torere" (to twist). This reflects how extortion involves twisting someone's will to obtain something they do not want to give.
Famous Quote
"Extortion is a crime that no one should have to endure." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "extort" mean?
a) To give freely
b) To gently persuade
c) To obtain through threats
d) To create and design
Answer: c) To obtain through threats
2. Which of these is a synonym of "extort"?
a) Blackmail
b) Share
c) Donate
d) Invite
Answer: a) Blackmail
3. What is an antonym of "extort"?
a) Submit
b) Give
c) Demand
d) Steal
Answer: b) Give
4. Which sentence uses "extort" correctly?
a) They wanted to extort money from the wealthy businessman.
b) She decided to extort a nice gift for her friend.
c) He extorted his homework on time.
d) The flowers extorted a lovely smell.
Answer: a) They wanted to extort money from the wealthy businessman.
5. Which idiom means using pressure to force someone to say something?
a) Extort a confession
b) A stitch in time saves nine
c) Cry over spilled milk
d) A little bird told me
Answer: a) Extort a confession
