profiteer etymology

Etymology

The word "profiteer" comes from the Old French word "profiter," meaning "to make a profit." The suffix "-eer" indicates an agent or doer, so "profiteer" literally means "one who makes a profit."

Meaning

A profiteer is a person who makes excessive profits from the sale of goods or services, especially in times of crisis or shortage. Profiteers often take advantage of desperate people who are willing to pay inflated prices for necessities.

Origin

The term "profiteer" first came into use during the 17th century, when it was applied to individuals who made exorbitant profits from the sale of food and other goods during times of war or famine. In the 20th century, the term was used to describe those who made excessive profits from the sale of goods and services during World War I and World War II.

Examples

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, some businesses were accused of profiteering by selling essential items such as hand sanitizer and masks at inflated prices.
• In the aftermath of natural disasters, profiteers often appear, selling overpriced goods and services to desperate victims.
• During times of war, profiteers may take advantage of the increased demand for goods and services by raising prices arbitrarily.

profiteer relate terms

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• gain

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• bohemian

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• James

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• college

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• Maranatha

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• costume

  Etymology From Old French costume from Late Latin consuetudo meaning custom usage

• Castor

  Etymology and Meaning Castor is a Latin name derived from the Greek word κάστωρ

• coffee

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• fiction

  Etymology The word fiction derives from the Latin word fictio which means somethin