shakedown

Definition

Extortion, especially through blackmail

Etymology

Deverbal from shake down. An improvised bed would originally have been made by shaking down straw.

Example Sentences

• "What is this, a shakedown?"
• "Four Thai police officers charged with murder in connection with the deadly shakedown of a suspected drug dealer in custody were arrested Wednesday after a video clip of the incident shared on social media caused a public furor."
• "It was planning to use an '807' for one day only as part of a shakedown test, ahead of the fleet's formal entry to service which is currently planned for November."