- Main Entry:
- 1charge
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈchärj\
- Function:
- noun
- 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 field2 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 another4 a: instruction, command b: instruction in points of law given by a court to a jury5 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 loan6 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>
