Obtaining money, property or advantage from someone through coercion, threat or intimidation.

Why does extortion matter to internal security?

Because it finances armed groups, which is why cutting off funding is a standard component of counter-insurgency strategy.

Extortion

noun (uncountable)

/ɪkˈstɔː.ʃən/

The criminal practice of obtaining money, property, or compliance from a person or organisation through coercion, threats, or intimidation. Under the Indian Penal Code, Section 383 defines extortion as intentionally putting a person in fear of injury to compel delivery of property or valuable security; it is punishable under Section 384. Extortion by militant groups operating 'protection rackets' in insurgency-affected regions like Nagaland and Manipur has long been documented as a primary financing mechanism for non-state armed groups.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Security analysts note that in the Northeast, extortion has evolved into a quasi-taxation system where insurgent outfits levy predictable 'levies' on contractors, traders, and civil servants, creating a parallel economy that sustains the armed groups financially.

Synonyms

coercionblackmailintimidationracketeeringshakedownprotection money

Antonyms

voluntary donationgiftconsentfree exchange

🌱 Word Family

extort (verb), extorter / extortionist (noun), extortionate (adjective), extortionately (adverb)

🔡 Root

Latin extortio = a wresting away; ex- = out + torquere = to twist, wring

📜 Etymology

From Latin extortio, the noun of extorquere (to wrest away by force), composed of ex- (out) and torquere (to twist). The same root torquere gives English 'torture', 'torque', and 'contort'. Entered Middle English via Old French extorcion around the 14th century; in English legal use it denoted the unlawful exaction of money by officials before broadening to private threats.

🧠 Memory Hook

EX-TORT-ion: to TWIST (Latin torquere) something OUT of someone. Imagine twisting a person's arm until they hand over their wallet — the physical image of torque applied to extract something is the word's literal etymology.

🎯 How This Word Works in UPSC Writing

Obtaining money or advantage through coercion or threat. Its internal-security significance is as a financing mechanism: armed groups sustain themselves through levies on contractors, transporters and businesses, which is why cutting off finance is a standard element of counter-insurgency doctrine. Framing extortion as logistics rather than as ordinary crime is what lifts a GS3 answer.

⚖️ Don’t Confuse It With

Extortion obtains value through threat or coercion. Bribery involves a voluntary inducement offered for favour. Blackmail threatens disclosure of information specifically. Protection racket is the organised, recurring form of extortion sold as security.

🇮🇳 Hindi Meaning

जबरन वसूली (jabaran vasūlī) or रंगदारी (rangdārī) in common usage.

❓ Common Questions

What is extortion?: Obtaining money, property or advantage from someone through coercion, threat or intimidation.
Why does extortion matter to internal security?: Because it finances armed groups, which is why cutting off funding is a standard component of counter-insurgency strategy.

🛡️ Internal Security 📖 Seen in: Internal Security — Threats, Cyber Sec...

Relevant across:GS3 · Economy, Environment, S&T & Security

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