profiteer
UK: ˌprɒfɪˈtɪə | US: ˌprɑːfɪˈtɪr
n. A person who seeks excessive or unfair profit, especially by exploiting shortages or market manipulation.
vi. To make excessive profits, often unethically.
The word "profiteer" combines "profit," derived from Latin proficere (to make progress/gain), with the suffix "-eer," borrowed from French -ier (indicating a person associated with an action). Originally neutral, "-eer" later took on a negative connotation in English (e.g., "racketeer"). "Profiteer" emerged in the early 20th century, specifically criticizing those who exploit crises (e.g., wars) for personal gain, reflecting societal disdain for unethical profiting.
During the war, profiteers hoarded supplies to sell at inflated prices.
The government imposed strict laws to prevent businesses from profiteering during the pandemic.
He was labeled a profiteer after selling bottled water for ten times its normal cost after the hurricane.
Public outrage grew against profiteers who exploited the housing shortage.
The documentary exposed how arms dealers profiteered from regional conflicts.