chargedcharged /tʃɑːdʒd $ tʃɑːrdʒd/ adjective 
the charged atmosphere in the room a highly charged debate
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Abortion is still a very emotionally charged issue in the U.S.
- In a highly charged press conference, Armstrong defended his attack on the children.
- The already charged atmosphere erupted into violence when police told the crowd to disperse.
- The elections took place in the highly charged atmosphere of mass demonstrations.
Longman Language Activatora situation in which people feel nervous
a tense situation makes people feel nervous and anxious, especially because they are worried about what might happen next or what someone might do: · There was a tense silence, and then everyone began to laugh.· The negotiations became increasingly tense as the weeks went by.· The journey through the mountains went well even though there were a few tense moments when the car skidded.· When someone mentioned Andy's time in prison, the atmosphere grew tense.
a situation that is strained makes people feel nervous, embarrassed, and uncomfortable, and unable to behave naturally: · After the argument there was a strained silence.· Since my father's affair things have been very strained between him and my mother.· The strained atmosphere at the dinner made it difficult to chat with people.
a situation that is uneasy makes people feel a little nervous because they are uncertain about what will happen next or what someone might do: · After the speech there was an uneasy silence and nobody clapped.· Since the two sides declared a ceasefire, there has been an uneasy calm throughout the region.
an unsettling situation makes you feel slightly nervous and unable to relax or concentrate completely: · The weather forecast was unsettling - we had nowhere to go if a really big storm hit.· Greenspan delivered more unsettling news about the economy the next day.
a nailbiting situation is so exciting that it makes you nervous, especially because you are waiting for a result or decision: · Waiting to become a father is one of the most nailbiting situations a man can face.nailbiting finish: · With three minutes left, the World Cup Final is set for a nailbiting finish.
a nerve-wracking situation makes you feel very nervous because it is difficult or frightening: · Your first appearance on stage is always a nerve-wracking experience· Trying to keep track of all those little kids at the same time must be pretty nerve-wracking.
a charged situation or subject makes people feel very nervous and is likely to cause arguments or violence: · Abortion is still a very emotionally charged issue in the U.S.highly charged: · In a highly charged press conference, Armstrong defended his attack on the children.charged atmosphere: · The already charged atmosphere erupted into violence when police told the crowd to disperse.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY the charged atmosphere in the room a highly charged debateCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He was charged with burglary.
the charged atmosphere in the room a highly charged debate· He ended up in court charged with assault.
He was charged with burglary. (=be formally accused of it)· The women were charged with conspiracy to supply heroin.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
a charged situation or subject makes people feel very angry, anxious, or excited, and is likely to cause arguments or violence: - According to the theory, negatively charged electrons within atoms orbit around positively charged nuclei.
- Cationic detergents: ionise in solution with the active ion being positively charged.
- Hence when a current is applied, the positively charged ions move toward the cathode carrying water molecules with them.
- Sodium has a strong tendency to lose an electron and become the positively charged ion Na.
- The helium atom without its electrons is known as an alpha particle, and is therefore positively charged.
- These positively charged ions are themselves highly hydrated.
- These fixed negative charges attract a layer of residual positively charged ions which are free to move within the water.
the charged atmosphere in the room a highly charged debate