English Meaning & Definitions
The act of demanding or levying something, such as money, tribute, or service, by force, authority, or harsh pressure; or the excessive demands or fees so extorted.
- “The local peasantry revolted against the feudal lord's relentless financial exactions.”
- “Despite the treaty, the occupying forces continued their heavy exactions of food and supplies.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “exactions”.
Originating in the late 14th century from Middle English, the word derives from Old French 'exaction' and directly from Latin 'exactionem' (nominative 'exactio'), meaning 'a driving out, demanding, or enforcing'. This is a noun of action from 'exigere' ('to demand, require, or force out'), which combines 'ex-' (out) and 'agere' (to drive or do). Historically, it referred to the forcible or unjust levying of taxes, tribute, or labor.
Associate 'exactions' with 'exacting actions'—harsh, forceful actions taken to demand exact payments or compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About “exactions”
1. What is the meaning of “exactions” in English?
In English, exactions (noun) is defined as: “The act of demanding or levying something, such as money, tribute, or service, by force, authority, or harsh pressure; or the excessive demands or fees so extorted.”.
2. How do you use “exactions” in a sentence?
“The local peasantry revolted against the feudal lord's relentless financial exactions.”
3. What are English synonyms of “exactions”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “exactions”?
Originating in the late 14th century from Middle English, the word derives from Old French 'exaction' and directly from Latin 'exactionem' (nominative 'exactio'), meaning 'a driving out, demanding, or enforcing'. This is a noun of action from 'exigere' ('to demand, require, or force out'), which combines 'ex-' (out) and 'agere' (to drive or do). Historically, it referred to the forcible or unjust levying of taxes, tribute, or labor.
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