usury

• 指放贷时收取过高或违法利息的行为，也泛指高利贷。

A noun referring to the practice of lending money at an excessively high or illegal rate of interest.

不可数

1. Exorbitant interest rateC1formallegal

   An excessively high or illegal rate of interest charged on a loan.

   高利贷

   • The loan shark was convicted for charging usury.
   • Many ancient texts condemn the practice of usury.
   • The new law caps interest rates to prevent usury.

2. Practice of lending at high interestC1formallegal

   The act of lending money at an unlawfully high or exploitative rate of interest.

   高利贷

   • Usury was historically considered a sin by many religions.
   • The bank was fined for engaging in usury.
   • He was accused of usury for charging 50% interest on personal loans.