: 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
Caroline Blair, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Vasseur, 57, took charge of Ferrari at the start of the 2023 season, having previously led Sauber’s F1 team.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 July 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
Who’s directing Bend It Like Beckham 2? Chadha, who directed the first film, has taken charge of directing the sequel.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Vasseur, 57, took charge of Ferrari at the start of the 2023 season, having previously led Sauber’s F1 team.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 July 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 7 Aug. 2025.
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