"Extortionately" is an adverb that describes an action or behavior associated with extortion, a criminal act committed in order to obtain something by force, intimidation, or illegal means, usually in the form of money, property, or unpermitted advantages.
In the context of pricing or financial transactions, "extortionately" refers to charging exorbitant or excessive prices that take advantage of someone's vulnerability, urgent need, or limited alternatives. It implies the practice of demanding considerably more money or value than what is reasonable or fair for a particular product, service, or transaction. This extortionate behavior often exploits the customer's desperate circumstances or lack of bargaining power, taking advantage of their necessity and creating an unfair power dynamic.
When used in a broader sense, "extortionately" can describe any action, demand, or behavior that involves coercion or an abuse of power to obtain benefit, advantage, or compliance from someone. It conveys the notion of crossing ethical boundaries, as it involves using threats, force, or fear to forcefully extract or secure something from the person being targeted. Such actions are not only morally objectionable, but also illegal in many jurisdictions. The term highlights the exploitative nature of the behavior, revealing an intent to manipulate or control others to achieve personal gain or advantage without regard for fairness, justice, or ethical standards.
