noun
- the practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest
- interest charged on a loan, especially when considered excessive
Examples
- The bank was accused of usury for charging 30% interest on personal loans.
- Medieval laws strictly prohibited usury among Christians.
- He fell victim to usury when he borrowed money from illegal lenders.
- The payday loan company’s practices bordered on usury.
- Ancient civilizations had various rules governing usury.
- Consumer protection laws help prevent usury in modern banking.