Main Entry: ¹charge

Pronunciation: \ˈchärj\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from charger

Date: 13th century

1 a obsolete : a material load or weight b : a figure borne on a heraldic field
2 a : the quantity that an apparatus is intended to receive and fitted to hold b : the quantity of explosive used in a single discharge c : a store or accumulation of impelling force <the deeply emotional charge of the drama> d : a definite quantity of electricity; especially : an excess or deficiency of electrons in a body e : thrill, kick <got a charge out of the game>
3 a : obligation, requirement b : management, supervision <has charge of the home office> c : the ecclesiastical jurisdiction (as a parish) committed to a clergyman d : a person or thing committed to the care of another
4 a : instruction, command b : instruction in points of law given by a court to a jury
5 a : expense, cost <gave the banquet at his own charge> b : the price demanded for something <no admission charge> c : a debit to an account <the purchase was a charge> d : the record of a loan (as of a book from a library) e British : an interest in property granted as security for a loan
6 a : a formal assertion of illegality <a charge of murder> b : a statement of complaint or hostile criticism <denied the charges of nepotism that were leveled against him>
7 a (1) : a violent rush forward (as to attack) <the charge of the brigade> (2) : the signal for attack <sound the charge> b : a usually illegal rush into an opponent in various sports (as basketball)

— in charge : having control or custody of something <he is in charge of the training program>