SAT Vocabulary: Understanding the Word ‘Extort’
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘extort’ for your SAT preparation. This video covers the definition, word type, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, example sentences, and common usage errors of ‘extort’ to help you excel in SAT vocabulary.
Imagine a shadowy figure demanding money from a terrified shopkeeper, threatening to reveal damaging information if they don’t pay up.
This scenario illustrates our SAT vocabulary word of the day: extort.
Word type: Extort is a verb.
Meaning:
To extort means to obtain something, especially money or information, through force, threats, or other unfair or illegal means.
Word history: The word extort comes from the Latin word extortus, which is the past participle of extorquere, meaning to twist out or obtain by force.
It entered the English language in the 15th century.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for extort include blackmail, coerce, squeeze, and wring.
Antonyms: Antonyms for extort include give, offer, and volunteer.
Examples use in sentences: The corrupt official tried to extort money from local businesses by threatening to shut them down.
The hacker attempted to extort a large sum of bitcoin from the company by threatening to release sensitive data.
The mafia was known to extort protection money from small shops in their territory. Common errors in use:
A common error when using the word extort is confusing it with similar-sounding words like exhort or retort.
Remember, extort always involves obtaining something through force or threats, while exhort means to strongly encourage or urge, and retort means to reply sharply or wittily.
Understanding the word extort and its usage is crucial for SAT vocabulary. It not only helps you recognize its meaning in reading comprehension sections but also allows you to use it accurately in your own writing.
Remember, extort involves the forceful or illegal obtaining of something, typically through threats or coercion.
By mastering this word, you’re one step closer to acing the verbal section of your SAT.
