sextortion
noun
sex·tor·tion
ˌsek-ˈstȯr-shən 
: extortion in which a perpetrator threatens to expose sexually compromising information (such as sexually explicit private images or videos of the victim) unless the victim meets certain demands
Sextortion is when an online predator tricks someone into giving them nude images or videos, and then demands money, more images, or makes other demands—threatening to share the images with the victim's friends and family if they don't comply.—
bradfordtoday.ca
bradfordtoday.caSextortion is a crime that is now sweeping the web, from organized criminal groups operating overseas to cyber-bullies at the local high school.—The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California)
The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California)Two male high school students in an Allegan County school district were recent victims of sextortion—a form of online sexual exploitation that typically occurs against kids ages 10-17.—Sherri Kolade
Sherri KoladeDeling used text messages and social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Kik and Skype, in the sextortion scheme against girls between the ages of 11 and 17, prosecutors say.—Chacour Koop
Chacour KoopExamples of sextortion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Among them was a citizen of Côte d'Ivoire, Alfred Kassi, who was accused of sextortion against Ryan Stuart and arrested by Ivorian authorities on April 29.
—Scott MacFarlane 18, CBS News, 18 May 2025
There have been at least two other cases in which Nigerian men have been extradited to the United States on sextortion charges since 2023, according to the Justice Department.
—Tim Balk, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2025
Guthrie's press release included quotes supporting the bill from first lady Melania Trump, two teen girls who were victimized with deepfake nudes, and the mother of a boy whose death led to an investigation into a possible sextortion scheme.
—ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
Five Americans have pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a Nigerian sextortion scheme that led to a Michigan teenager's death by suicide.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
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Scott MacFarlane 18, CBS News, 18 May 2025
There have been at least two other cases in which Nigerian men have been extradited to the United States on sextortion charges since 2023, according to the Justice Department.
—Tim Balk, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2025
Guthrie's press release included quotes supporting the bill from first lady Melania Trump, two teen girls who were victimized with deepfake nudes, and the mother of a boy whose death led to an investigation into a possible sextortion scheme.
—ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
Five Americans have pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a Nigerian sextortion scheme that led to a Michigan teenager's death by suicide.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sextortion
Cite this Entry
“Sextortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sextortion. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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