What does 'extort' mean?

The term 'extort' refers to the act of obtaining something, typically money or information, through coercion or intimidation. This often involves threats or force to manipulate someone into giving up what is not freely offered. This definition aligns with the concept of using power or pressure to extract compliance from another person, indicating a relationship characterized by fear or duress.

In contrast to the meaning of 'extort', the other options present different actions or ideas. Giving a false appearance relates to deception, putting out a fire pertains to extinguishing flames, and to waver or stumble implies hesitancy or loss of balance. These definitions do not capture the coercive and manipulative connotations inherently associated with 'extort'.