Exorbitances

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Excessive charges or prices that go beyond reasonable limits
2. Unwarranted extravagances, often involving unreasonable demands or costs
3. Instances of unrestrained actions or behaviors that defy moderation and reason

Etymology: "Exorbitances" is the plural of "exorbitance," so it refers to several instances of the quality of being excessive, or to specific excessive charges. The noun comes from "exorbitant," which in turn traces back through Latin to "exorbitare," meaning to go out of the track or path, from "ex," out, and "orbita," a track or wheel rut. The image is of a wheel or cart veering out of its groove, which is why the sense of going beyond proper bounds came to attach to the word.

Synonyms: excesses, overcharges, extravagances, indulgences, hyperboles

Antonyms: moderation, restraint, economy, frugality, sobriety