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.
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.