: having the qualities of a forceful leader
a take-charge executive
take charge
2 of 2idiomatic 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 ofMarc FisherShe 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
Terina AllenSamuel Morse wanted the federal government to take charge of building a national telegraph system.—Virginia Postrel
Virginia PostrelI 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
Judy BlumeExamples of take-charge in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Throughout the show, Louise goes from meek wallflower struggling to keep up with her sister June (Jordan Tyson) in their family Vaudeville act to the take-charge superstar stripper, all while under the unbearable pressure from her mother, Rose (Audra McDonald).
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 12 May 2025
Irene Adeline Milanez, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
There were reports that the players took charge after a couple of games and insisted on changes to the starting XI, wrote Brian Glanville in his book, The History of the World Cup, although these suggestions are denied by members of Feola’s coaching staff.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for take-charge
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Adjective
Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Throughout the show, Louise goes from meek wallflower struggling to keep up with her sister June (Jordan Tyson) in their family Vaudeville act to the take-charge superstar stripper, all while under the unbearable pressure from her mother, Rose (Audra McDonald).
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 12 May 2025
Idiomatic phrase
Throughout her treatment, Rhode took charge of the business logistics, including securing their Alcoholic Beverage Control license.
—Irene Adeline Milanez, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
There were reports that the players took charge after a couple of games and insisted on changes to the starting XI, wrote Brian Glanville in his book, The History of the World Cup, although these suggestions are denied by members of Feola’s coaching staff.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for take-charge
Cite this Entry
“Take-charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take-charge. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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