extortionist
/iks'tɔ:ʃnə/ Cách viết khác : (extortionist) /iks'tɔ:ʃnist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who obtains money, property, or services from someone through coercion or intimidation, typically by making threats. This often involves threats of violence, harm to reputation, or exposure of damaging information.
Usage
An "extortionist" is a criminal. The term is used to describe the perpetrator of the crime of extortion. It is a formal and strong label.
Examples
- The businessman paid the extortionist to keep the photos secret.
- The gang was led by a notorious extortionist who threatened local shop owners.
- She was arrested and charged as an extortionist for threatening to reveal the politician's past.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: In a non-literal sense, it can describe someone who uses excessive pressure in negotiations or demands, though this is less common.
- The landlord was called an extortionist for demanding such a high rent increase.
Variants and Related Words
- Extortion (n): The crime or act itself.
- He was a victim of extortion.
- Extort (v): The verb meaning to obtain something by force or threats.
- They tried to extort money from him.
- Blackmailer (n): A specific type of extortionist who threatens to reveal information. "Blackmailer" and "extortionist" are often used interchangeably, though "extortionist" can involve broader threats (e.g., of physical harm).
Synonyms
- Blackmailer
- Racketeer
- Shakedown artist (informal)
Antonyms
- Benefactor
- Philanthropist
Noun
- a criminal who extorts money from someone by threatening to expose embarrassing information about them