extortion
This term carries a heavy legal and criminal weight, implying a power imbalance where the victim is forced to comply to avoid a negative consequence. It differs from a simple theft because the victim often hands over the asset willingly, albeit under duress. It evokes a feeling of entrapment and helplessness.
In a broader social or political sense, the word can describe unfair demands made by those in authority. While bribery involves a mutual agreement for a favor, extortion is one-sided and predatory, focusing on the threat of harm or loss rather than the promise of a reward.
Uncountable when referring to the general criminal practice of forcing payment. Countable when referring to a specific instance or a legal charge of the crime.
Meanings
Examples
This is extortion.
Extortion is a crime.
He threatened her with extortion at school.
The CEO faced allegations of systematic extortion.