Pronunciation: [jˈuːzjʊɹɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of "usuries" can be confusing, but it is pronounced /ˈjuːʒəriz/. The "u" at the beginning is pronounced like the "oo" in "moon," while the "s" and "u" in the middle are both pronounced like the "zh" sound in "pleasure." The final "ies" is pronounced like the "eez" sound in "bees." Usuries refers to the illegal lending of money at high interest rates, a practice that is widely considered unethical.
Usuries, as a noun, refers to excessive or exorbitant interest charges on loans, typically exceeding the legal rate of interest established by the government or prevailing market rates. It can also represent the act or practice of lending money at such high-interest rates. Usury is often considered unethical or exploitative, as it takes advantage of the borrower's financial vulnerability and leads to further indebtedness.
Historically, usury was strictly prohibited in many societies, including in religious doctrines such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. However, as lending practices evolved, so did the perception of what constituted usury. Today, usury laws vary across different jurisdictions, with some countries setting legal caps on interest rates to safeguard consumers from predatory lending practices.
The term "usuries" can also be used metaphorically or figuratively to signify excessive profits or gains made through unfair means, exploiting someone or something. In this context, it may refer to exploitative practices in various industries, where individuals or organizations profit excessively and unethically by taking advantage of others.
Overall, usuries represent the concept of charging excessive interest or profiting unfairly, whether in the realm of lending or interfering in other economic activities.
The word "usuries" is derived from the Middle English term "usure" which came from the Old French word "usure". The Old French term, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word "usura" meaning "usury" or "interest". The Latin word is rooted in the verb "uti" which means "to use" or "to enjoy". Over time, "usuries" has come to refer to the practice of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest, particularly when it is considered unjust or excessive.
