ex-, 向外。-tort, 扭曲，词源同turn, contort. 即过高要求的。

1. They are offering loans at extortionate rates of interest.

他们在放高利贷。

2. Demand for topquality programmers exceeds supply, leading to extortionate salaries.

对优秀程序员的需求远远超过了供给, 致使工资畸高.

3. They are asking an extortionate amount of money for their house.

他们的房子要价太高.

4. The price exacted By the hijackers for redeeming the hostages was extortionate.

劫持者为交换人质而索要的代价太过分了.

5. Fee structures and rates across the sector are often inexplicable and extortionate.

全行业的收费结构和费率往往令人费解,且高得离谱.