usurer

/'ju: r /

Thân thiện

A man borrows money from a usurer at a high interest rate.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who lends money at excessively high or illegal rates of interest: A usurer is someone who provides loans with interest rates considered unreasonably high, exploitative, or beyond legal limits.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • In the story, the poor farmer was trapped in debt to the ruthless usurer.
  • Laws were enacted to protect citizens from usurers charging exorbitant fees.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Legal Context: The term often carries a strong negative connotation, implying exploitation and predatory lending practices. Historically, usury (charging any interest) was condemned by many religions, but modern usage typically refers to excessive interest.
  • The novel depicted the usurer as a villain who preyed on the town's desperation.

Variants and Related Words

• Usury (n): The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.
  • The company was accused of usury for its predatory loan terms.

Synonyms

• Loan shark: (Informal) A person who lends money at extremely high interest rates, typically using threats for repayment.
• Moneylender: A more neutral term for someone who lends money, though it can be used in a negative context similar to usurer.

Antonyms

• Philanthropist: A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes.
• Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.

Học thuật

Noun

1. someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest

Từ đồng nghĩa

• loan shark
• moneylender
• shylock