Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of demanding, levying, or extorting something, especially money, with force or undue authority: It refers to the process of compelling payment or service, often in an oppressive, unjust, or excessive manner.
   • The thing that is exacted; a severe or excessive demand: It can also refer to the payment, fee, or service itself that is unjustly or harshly demanded.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The king's exaction of heavy taxes led to widespread poverty. (The king's act of demanding heavy taxes caused widespread poverty.)
  • The corrupt official was known for his exactions from local merchants. (The corrupt official was known for his excessive demands for money from local merchants.)
  • The exaction of tribute from conquered territories was a common practice. (The act of levying tribute from conquered territories was a common practice.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be guilty of exaction": to be culpable for making oppressive demands.
  • The landlord was found guilty of exaction for demanding illegal fees.
• "the exaction of a penalty": the act of imposing or demanding a penalty, often with a connotation of severity.
  • The exaction of the penalty was swift and unforgiving.

Variants and Related Words

• Exact (verb): To demand and obtain something, especially a payment, from someone.
  • The regime exacted a heavy price for dissent.
• Exactor (noun): A person who exacts something, especially payments.
  • The tax exactor was feared in the village.

Synonyms

• Extortion: The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
• Levy: The imposition or collection of a tax, fee, or fine.
• Imposition: The act of imposing something, such as a burden or tax, often unfairly.

Related Phrases

• "exaction of dues": the demanding of owed payments or fees.
  • The exaction of union dues is mandatory for all members.
• "illegal exaction": a demand for payment that is not authorized by law.
  • The court ruled the fee was an illegal exaction.

Related Idioms

• To exact a toll: To demand a high price, either literally or figuratively, often resulting in suffering or loss.
  • The long war exacted a heavy toll on the population. (Note: This idiom uses the verb "exact," from which "exaction" is derived.)

Noun

1. act of demanding or levying by force or authority
   • exaction of tribute
   • exaction of various dues and fees