take-charge

1 of 2

adjective

ˈtāk-ˈchärj 

: 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

Ramsey takes charge on the field and between the ears All Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey is setting the tone for this team in many ways. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2024

After Russia first attacked Ukraine and seized parts of its territory in 2014, Biden took charge of the U.S. response on behalf of the Obama administration, traveling to Kyiv in 2015 to deliver a landmark speech before the Ukrainian parliament. —Simon Shuster, TIME, 31 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Idiomatic Phrase

14th century, in the meaning defined above