loan shark

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loan shark

n. Informal
One who lends money at exorbitant interest rates, especially one financed and supported by an organized crime network.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

loan shark

n
(Banking & Finance) informal a person who lends funds at illegal or exorbitant rates of interest
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

loan′ shark`


n.
Informal.
a person who lends money at excessively high rates of interest; usurer.
[1900–05, Amer.]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.loan shark - someone who lends money at excessive rates of interestloan shark - someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest
moneylender, shylock, usurer
lender, loaner - someone who lends money or gives credit in business matters
shark - a person who is ruthless and greedy and dishonest
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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References in periodicals archive
Loan Smart tells me of the sad and common reality of loan sharking. Some who fall behind on payments face regular threats of violence and live in constant fear.
Time to end loan shark misery after years of anguish
After rounding up 43 Chinese and Malaysian members of a loan sharking syndicate, the Philippine National Police is out to neutralize a similar group with Filipino members.
PNP targets 2nd loan shark gang in casinos
"We would urge anyone with information about loan sharking or victims of loan sharks to contact the team on 0300 555 2222."
Suspected loan sharks freed on bail; NEWS WIRE
We would urge anyone with information about loan sharking or victims of loan sharks to contact the team." Coun John Harrison, cabinet member responsible for housing and transport, at North Tyneside Council said: "Loan sharks can prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
Suspected loan shark arrested
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