Extortion

noun (uncountable)

/ɪkˈstɔː.ʃən/

The criminal practice of obtaining money, property, or compliance from a person or organisation through coercion, threats, or intimidation. Under the Indian Penal Code, Section 383 defines extortion as intentionally putting a person in fear of injury to compel delivery of property or valuable security; it is punishable under Section 384. Extortion by militant groups operating 'protection rackets' in insurgency-affected regions like Nagaland and Manipur has long been documented as a primary financing mechanism for non-state armed groups.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Security analysts note that in the Northeast, extortion has evolved into a quasi-taxation system where insurgent outfits levy predictable 'levies' on contractors, traders, and civil servants, creating a parallel economy that sustains the armed groups financially.

Synonyms

coercionblackmailintimidationracketeeringshakedownprotection money

Antonyms

voluntary donationgiftconsentfree exchange

🌱 Word Family

extort (verb), extorter / extortionist (noun), extortionate (adjective), extortionately (adverb)

🔡 Root

Latin extortio = a wresting away; ex- = out + torquere = to twist, wring

📜 Etymology

From Latin extortio, the noun of extorquere (to wrest away by force), composed of ex- (out) and torquere (to twist). The same root torquere gives English 'torture', 'torque', and 'contort'. Entered Middle English via Old French extorcion around the 14th century; in English legal use it denoted the unlawful exaction of money by officials before broadening to private threats.

🧠 Memory Hook

EX-TORT-ion: to TWIST (Latin torquere) something OUT of someone. Imagine twisting a person's arm until they hand over their wallet — the physical image of torque applied to extract something is the word's literal etymology.

🛡️ Internal Security 📖 Seen in: Internal Security — Threats, Cyber Sec...

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