'extortionate' originates from the Latin word 'extortionem,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'torquere' meant 'to twist.'

'extortionem' transformed into the Old French word 'extorsion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'extortionate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to twist out or extract by force,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unreasonably high or excessive.'