extortion vs blackmail
Definitions
noun
- the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)
- an exorbitant charge
- unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority)
Examples
After being faced with the "extortionate" demand, Lee and others at his resort called the Canadian consulate and department of foreign affairs emergency line, only to be told to pay up
Other than releasing small amounts of oil from the Reserve for very limited short term climatic or pipeline disruptions, extortionist high oil prices that were risking a national economic calamity were never adequate cause to tap the SPR in this administration's reckoning.
The inscription above the arch, "To a happy and prosperous entrance," seemed a mockery in the old douanier days, when delays and extortions vexed the soul of the visitor, and produced a mood anything but favourable to the enjoyment of the Eternal City.
Definitions
verb
- exert pressure on someone through threats
- obtain through threats
noun
- extortion of money by threats to divulge discrediting information
Examples
She's using her police connections to blackmail money out of me.
I had never heard of Susan Ivy, suspected it was the alias my blackmailer used on his account.
In the ensuing litigation, this was portrayed as blackmail - a serious offence that has a maximum prison term of 14 years.
