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.
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