ClimateAugust 12, 2026
shakedown
SHAYK-down
Definition
A form of extortion or coercion in which someone demands payment or a concession by threatening to cause harm, expose secrets, or withhold an expected benefit.
Etymology
Originating in American English in the early 20th century, the term likely refers to the act of 'shaking down' a victim to extract money, reflecting a colloquial metaphor for forceful or dishonest acquisition.
In the news
The article uses 'shakedown' to describe the NSW government's attempt to demand carbon offset payments for a national park they had already promised to create, characterizing the act as a manipulative exploitation of a policy goal.
The NSW koalas-for-coal shakedown – and what it reveals about the carbon offset market
Read the full article ↗Renew Economy