take-charge

1 of 2

adjective

: having the qualities of a forceful leader
a take-charge executive

take charge

2 of 2

idiomatic phrase

: to assume control, command, care, or custody
… the people Americans have chosen to take charge in times of crisis …Marc Fisher
often used with of
She took charge of the company/team/project.
A neighbor took charge of the children until he got home from the emergency room.
Happiness is what occurs when you take charge of your life …Terina Allen
Samuel Morse wanted the federal government to take charge of building a national telegraph system.Virginia Postrel
I could see that unless I took charge of the situation nothing would get done. So I said, "Mouse, you and Jane … help me … ."Judy Blume

Examples of take-charge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The home team led 2-0 after one quarter and poured it on with eight straight goals in the take-charge second quarter. Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2024 Aries has a take-charge personality that lends itself to strong leadership and resolution, whereas Gemini is more whimsical and indecisive. Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 19 May 2024
Idiomatic phrase
The Scotsman took charge of the team at a time when many of its current players, such as Emily van Egmond, were starting their international careers. Manasi Pathak, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 While Nolan has taken charge of day-to-day operations, Scott’s vision of affordable luxury is still very much ingrained in the culture of the company, which sells many of its products for under $100. Natalie McCormick, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for take-charge 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'take-charge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Idiomatic Phrase

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take-charge was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near take-charge

take chances

take-charge

take charge

Cite this Entry

“Take-charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take-charge. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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