Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from charger
Date: 13th century
1 aobsolete: 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, requirementb: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, commandb: 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) eBritish: 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>