extortion (9)
I believe the answer is:
blackmail
'extortion' is the definition.
(blackmail is a kind of extortion)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for blackmail that I've seen before include "Extort money by threats to divulge information" , "Lack a limb to execute this crime" , "Put the screws on" , "Hush money" , "Extortion by threat of exposure" .)