What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extortion
Example
The gangster was arrested for extortion after threatening the shop owner. [extortion: noun]
Example
He extorted money from his employees by threatening to fire them if they didn't comply. [extorted: past tense verb]
shakedown
Example
The police officer was accused of conducting a shakedown on the suspect's car. [shakedown: noun]
Example
The corrupt official demanded a shakedown from the business owner in exchange for not shutting down their operation. [shakedown: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extortion is a more commonly used word than shakedown in everyday language. Extortion is a serious crime that is often reported in the news, while shakedown is a less common term that is more associated with organized crime.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extortion and shakedown?
Extortion is a more formal term than shakedown. Extortion is often used in legal and official contexts, while shakedown is more informal and associated with criminal activity.
