Robbery vs. Extortion — What's the Difference?

Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force, threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear. According to common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear; that is, it is a larceny or theft accomplished by an assault.

Extortion is the practice of obtaining benefit through coercion. In most jurisdictions it is likely to constitute a criminal offense; the bulk of this article deals with such cases.

The act or an instance of unlawfully taking the property of another by the use of violence or intimidation.

The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats

The act or practice of robbing.

Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage.

(legal) The offense of taking or attempting to take the property of another by force or threat of force.

The act or an instance of extorting something, as by psychological pressure.

The act or practice of robbing; theft.

An excessive or exorbitant charge.

Larceny by threat of violence

The practice of extorting money or other property by the use of force or threats.

Plundering during riots or in wartime

The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge.

The offense committed by an officer who corruptly claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it is due.

That which is extorted or exacted by force.

An exorbitant charge

Unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority);

The felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)