charge

¹charge

noun \ˈchärj\

Definition of CHARGE

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>

Examples of CHARGE

1. He set off a charge that destroyed the mountain.
2. He has charge of the building.
3. There is no charge for fixing the tire.
4. a delivery charge for the refrigerator
5. an admission charge at the fair

Origin of CHARGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from charger

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to CHARGE

Synonyms: complaint, count, indictment, rap

Related Words: accusation, allegation, plea; crimination; counteraccusation, countercharge; arraignment, impeachment; implication, imputation, innuendo, insinuation; censure, condemnation, denunciation; incrimination, recrimination

Near Antonyms: appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging; proposal, recommendation, suggestion

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Rhymes with CHARGE

barge, large, marge, parge, sarge, sparge, targe