usury

noun

usu·​ry ˈyü-zhə-rē 

ˈyüzh-rē

plural usuries

1

: the lending of money with an interest charge for its use

especially : the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates

2

: an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest

specifically : interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money

3

archaic : interest

Examples of usury in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The suit alleged that McGraw and the other defendants, including Minto Money, violated state usury laws and federal prohibitions against collecting unlawful debt. —Kyle Hopkins, ProPublica, 21 May 2025

Here are a few policy changes that could make a real difference: Implementing a national usury cap on interest rates, including payday loans, would protect vulnerable borrowers from predatory lending practices. —Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

In the consent decree, LDF’s top official denied the allegations but formally agreed to stop lending to people in Minnesota unless the tribe adheres to the state’s strict usury laws and other regulations, including licensing requirements. —Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 6 Dec. 2024

The suits typically allege violations of state usury laws and federal racketeering or fair credit reporting statutes. —Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English usurie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin usuria, alteration of Latin usura, from usus, past participle of uti to use

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

usury

noun

usu·​ry ˈyüzh-(ə-)rē 

plural usuries

1

: the lending of money with an interest charge for its use

2

: a rate of interest that is very high or higher than the usual rate

Legal Definition

usury

noun

usu·​ry ˈyü-zhə-rē 

1

: the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates

specifically : the crime of charging or contracting to charge an unlawfully high rate of interest

2

: a rate or amount of interest charged in usury compare legal interest at interest sense 5

Etymology

Medieval Latin usuria interest, lending at exorbitant interest, alteration of Latin usura use, interest (i.e., sum paid for use of money), from usus use