loansharking

or loan-shark·ing

[ lohn-shahr-king ]

noun

1. the practice of lending money at excessive rates of interest.

Word History and Origins

Origin of loansharking¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; loan shark + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Mafia icon John Gotti’s 1992 conviction came, in part, from loansharking.

From TIme

She believed he made his money from illegal gambling and maybe loansharking.

From The Daily Beast