Illending

Illending is a term used to describe the practice of lending money or goods with the intention of receiving more back than was originally given, often through the exploitation of the borrower's circumstances. This can manifest in various forms, from high-interest loans offered by predatory lenders to the charging of exorbitant prices for essential goods during times of scarcity. The core concept revolves around profiting from another's need or desperation.

Historically, many societies have had laws or religious proscriptions against usury, which is closely related to illending. These regulations often aimed to protect vulnerable populations from being financially ruined by exploitative lending practices. However, the definition and enforcement of what constitutes illending can vary significantly across different cultures and legal systems.

In modern contexts, illending can be seen in practices like payday loans with extremely high annual percentage rates, or in situations where essential items are significantly marked up during emergencies. The ethical implications of illending are widely debated, with arguments centering on fairness, exploitation, and the role of market forces. While some view it as a necessary evil in a free market, others condemn it as morally reprehensible behavior that preys on the disadvantaged.