Usury refers to the practice of lending money at excessively high-interest rates, often considered exploitative. Historically, many cultures and religions, including Christianity and Islam, have condemned usury, viewing it as unethical. Laws regulating interest rates have been established in various societies to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices. In modern finance, usury laws exist to limit the amount of interest that can be charged on loans. These laws aim to prevent lenders from taking advantage of vulnerable individuals or communities. While the definition of usury can vary, it generally involves charging interest rates that are deemed unreasonable or abusive.