take-charge

1 of 2

adjective

ˈtāk-ˈchärj 

: having the qualities of a forceful leader

a take-charge executive

take charge

2 of 2

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

Bailey didn’t excel at every aspect of the game, and there were times when the Giants could have used more of a take-charge persona behind the plate. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 May 2026

The unconscious Moon retreats through your 12th House of Peace, trining take-charge Saturn in your 4th House of Care along the way. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026

Phrase

Silvio Piola, Italy vs Hungary, 1938 (first goal) Piola takes charge of things by larruping one into the top corner from 12 yards after Italy ludicrously overcomplicate what had already been a high-xG situation. — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Spain started the match well and took charge of the ball, keeping possession but not exactly bothering the French goalkeeper much. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Phrase

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take-charge

• overcharge
• barge
• charge
• large
• marge
• sarge
• targe
• discharge
• enlarge
• litharge
• recharge
• surcharge