price gouging

American  

[prahys gou-jing] / ˈpraɪs ˌgaʊ dʒɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of charging customers too high a price for goods or services, especially when demand is high and supplies are limited.

   The law prohibits price gouging during weather emergencies such as snowstorms.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• price gouger
  noun
• price gouge
  verb (used with or without object)
• price-gouge
  verb (used with or without object)

Etymology

Origin of price gouging

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“These price gouging protections continue to be necessary as construction and rebuilding continue, and as thousands of people remain displaced,” the motion said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Nevertheless, many believed the situation was an excuse to engage price gouging.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

“The state has the tools in place to not only block price gouging during this emergency, but also to prosecute bad actors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

Supporters’ groups had accused organizers of price gouging on transit to the New York New Jersey stadium, which lies 35 miles from the city.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

When he heard the story, Hiatt said, “Looks like price gouging to me.”

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French