EXTORTIONATE Meaning and
Definition
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Extortionate is an adjective that describes something as being unreasonably and excessively high in price, cost, or charge. It refers to a situation where the demanded amount or rate is far beyond what is fair or justifiable, typically used in reference to business transactions or financial dealings.
When a price or fee is described as extortionate, it implies that it is exorbitant, exploitative, or oppressive, often taking advantage of the consumer's vulnerability or lack of alternatives. It suggests that the charged amount goes well beyond what is considered reasonable or customary for a particular product, service, or situation.
The term extortionate carries with it a negative connotation, implying that the price being charged is unfairly inflated and intended to extract excessive profit or gain at the expense of the customer. It implies an imbalance of power or lack of transparency in the pricing or billing process, where the party setting the price has an unfair advantage.
Furthermore, extortionate can also be used to describe actions that involve threats, coercion, or intimidation for personal gain, typically in illegal or criminal contexts. In such cases, it refers to activities that involve demanding money, property, or services from someone under duress or with implied harm or consequences.
Overall, the term extortionate is associated with excessive, unfair, and unreasonably high costs, suggesting an abuse of power or manipulation in financial transactions or attempts to obtain undue resources through intimidation.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for EXTORTIONATE
Etymology of EXTORTIONATE
The word "extortionate" derives from the verb "extort", which can be traced back to the Latin term "extortus", the past participle of "extorquere". "Extorquere" is a combination of the prefix "ex-" meaning "out" or "away", and the verb "torquere", meaning "to twist" or "to turn".
Thus, the Latin root implies the act of "twisting or turning someone away" from their rightful property or money through force or deception. Over time, the word "extort" evolved to describe the act of obtaining something through undue pressure, coercion, or threat. From "extort", the noun form "extortion" emerged, and "extortionate" eventually came to denote the characteristic of being excessive or exorbitant, particularly in relation to prices or charges.
Similar spelling words for EXTORTIONATE
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