Usury

usgb/ˈjuːʒəri/
noun

The act of lending money at extremely high interest rates.

The unscrupulous lender was charged with usury for exploiting desperate borrowers.
Visual representation of "usury" - The act of lending money at extremely high interest rates.

Often appears as...

  • charged with usury
  • accused of usury

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "usury"
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Negative Nuance

Usury has a very negative connotation and implies unethical behavior by the lender.

Illustration for Negative Nuance
The community despised the man's usury.
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Historical Context

Historically, usury was any interest charged, but now it refers to excessive rates.

Illustration for Historical Context
In medieval times, usury was condemned by the church.
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Legal Term

Usury is often used in legal contexts to discuss laws regulating interest rates.

Illustration for Legal Term
The lawyer argued that the bank's high rates constituted usury.
Visual representation of the word "Usury"

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