shylock
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈʃaɪlɒk/
KK: /ˈʃaɪlɒk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To lend money at very high interest rates, often in a way that is considered unfair or greedy.
Example
He decided to shylock the small business owner, charging him an outrageous interest rate.
Tense Forms
Past: shylocked
Past Participle: shylocked
Conversation
I heard that some people actually shylock their friends when they need money.
Yeah, that's pretty rough; it can ruin relationships.
It's crazy how much interest some lenders charge when they shylock others.
I agree! It's better to just help each other out without those strings attached.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
loan
lend
finance
Antonyms
borrow
default
refuse
noun
Definition
A person who lends money at very high interest rates, often in a ruthless or exploitative manner.
Example
In the story, the shylock demanded an exorbitant fee for the loan he provided.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of the term shylock?
Yeah, it usually refers to a moneylender, right?
Exactly! It's often used to describe someone who charges high interest.
Root Explanation
Shylock originates from the character Shylock in William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice'. The name is believed to be derived from the Hebrew name 'Shylock' or 'Shylock ben Samuel', which means 'Shylock son of Samuel'. The character is often associated with themes of money lending and usury, reflecting the historical context of Jewish moneylenders in Europe during Shakespeare's time.
Memory Tip
Think of the character Shylock from Shakespeare's play, who is a moneylender. This helps you remember that 'Shylock' refers to a person associated with lending money.
Visually Confused Words
slock
shock
sherlock