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Usurer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A usurer is a person who lends money at excessively high interest rates, often taking advantage of borrowers in need. The term typically carries a negative connotation.

usurer

/ˈjuːʒərər/ /ˈjuːʒərə/

Definition:

A person who lends money at excessively high interest rates, often exploiting borrowers.

Synonyms:

loan shark, moneylender, extortionist

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

philanthropist, benefactor

Common Collocations:

ruthless usurer, notorious usurer, greedy usurer

Derivatives:

usurious, usury

Usage Tips:

Use "usurer" to describe someone charging exorbitant interest, often with negative connotations of exploitation.

Common Phrases:

bloodsucking usurer, heartless usurer, merciless usurer

Etymology:

From Latin "usura" (interest), via Old French "usurier," meaning one who lends money for interest.

Examples:

  • 1. The usurer demanded double the loan amount in return.
  • 2. Villagers feared the local usurer for his unfair practices.
  • 3. She refused to borrow from a usurer despite her desperation.
  • 4. The novel’s villain was a cruel usurer who ruined families.

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