charge
1 of 2verb
ˈchärj 
charged; charging
transitive verb
1
a(1)
: to fix or ask as fee or payment
charges $50 for an office visit
(2)
: to ask payment of (a person)
charge a client for expenses
b
: to record (an item) as an expense, debt, obligation, or liability
charged a new sofa
c(1)
: to impose a financial burden on
charge his estate with debts incurred
(2)
: to impose or record as financial obligation
charge debts to an estate
2
a(1)
: to give an electric charge to
charge a capacitor
(2)
: to restore the active materials in (a storage battery) by the passage of a direct current through in the opposite direction to that of discharge
b(1)
: to place a charge (as of powder) in
(2)
: to load or fill to capacity
c
: to fill or furnish fully
The music is charged with excitement.
d
: electrify sense 2
The crowd was charged by her performance.
e(1)
: to assume as a heraldic bearing (see bearing sense 4)
(2)
: to place a heraldic bearing on
charged his shield with three roses
f
archaic : to lay or put a load on or in : load
horses charged with heavy burdens
3
a
: to rush against : attack
The bull charged the matador.
also : to rush into (an opponent) usually illegally in various sports
b
: to bring (a weapon) into position for attack : level
charge a lance
4
a
: to make an assertion against especially by ascribing guilt or blame
charges him with armed robbery
They were charged as being instigators.
b
: to place the guilt or blame for
charge her failure to negligence
c
: to assert as an accusation
charges that they distorted the data
5
a
: to impose a task or responsibility on
charge him with the job of finding a new meeting place
b
: to command, instruct, or exhort with authority
I charge you not to go.
c
of a judge : to give a charge (see charge entry 2 sense 6a) to (a jury)
intransitive verb
1
: to rush forward in or as if in assault : attack
came charging into the room
also : to charge an opponent in sports
2
: to ask or set a price
Do you charge for this service?
3
: to charge an item to an account
charge now, pay later
4
of a battery or battery-powered device : to gain an electric charge : to receive and store a greater quantity of electrical energy
She left the phone charging overnight.
charge
2 of 2noun
1
a
: the price demanded for something
no admission charge
b
: a debit to an account
The purchase was a charge.
c
: expense, cost
gave the banquet at his own charge
d
: the record of a loan (as of a book from a library)
e
British : an interest in property granted as security for a loan
2
a
: a definite quantity of electricity
especially : an excess or deficiency of electrons in a body
b
: the quantity of explosive used in a single discharge
c
: the quantity that an apparatus is intended to receive and fitted to hold
the charge of chemicals in a fire extinguisher
d
: thrill, kick
got a charge out of the game
e
: a store or accumulation of impelling force
the deeply emotional charge of the drama
3
a
: management, supervision
has charge of the home office
see also take charge b
: a person or thing committed into the care of another
played with her young charges at the day-care center
c
: obligation, requirement
… to maintain this readiness … is … a first charge upon our military effort …
Sir Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill d
: the ecclesiastical jurisdiction (such as a parish) committed to a clergyman
4
a
: a formal assertion of illegality
a charge of murder
b
: a statement of complaint or hostile criticism
denied the charges of nepotism that were leveled against him
5
a(1)
: a violent rush forward (as to attack)
the charge of the brigade
(2)
: the signal for attack
sound the charge
b
: a usually illegal rush into an opponent in various sports (such as basketball)
6
a
: instruction, command
… he gave them charge about the Queen, To guard and foster her forevermore. Alfred Tennyson
Alfred Tennyson b
: instruction in points of law given by a court to a jury
7
a
: a figure borne on a heraldic field
b
obsolete : a material load or weight
Synonyms
Verb
- ask
- command
- demand
Noun
- complaint
- count
- indictment
- rap
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb We tried to charge the car's battery. The government charged that he had not paid taxes for five years. It is not clear if he violated the rules, as his critics have charged. The basketball player was charged with a foul. Noun He set off a charge that destroyed the mountain. He has charge of the building. There is no charge for fixing the tire. a delivery charge for the refrigerator an admission charge at the fair See More
Recent Examples on the Web Anna Hirtenstein, WSJ, 10 Sep. 2022 That's when demand is at its peal and stadiums as well as third-parties charge as much fans are willing to pay. Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2022 The company says that its 12-volt Bolt power bank can charge a laptop, or phone, serve as an outlet or even restart a car battery. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Fitz entered a no-contest plea to the failure to comply charge, and the other charges were dismissed, according to court records. Olivia Mitchell, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Looking for more ways to protect and charge your iPhone 12 or 13? Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2022 That's $800 less than what the San Francisco 49ers charge a family of four, the most expensive cost index in the NFL. José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2022 The city plans to have resilience hubs, where seniors can go to get cool and charge their phones after a disaster. Carolyn Guniss, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2022 Simply unscrew the 6,000-mAh battery pack from the bottom and, voila, a plinth to wireless charge your phone upon—at 5 watts, that is. WIRED, 5 Sep. 2022 Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 The charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 The judge said Henderson will remain in the Shelby County Jail without bond for the murder charge against him. Amir Vera And Andi Babineau, CNN, 9 Sep. 2022 Stocks began the week lower but then made up ground over the following days, with shares of banks, manufacturers and consumer-discretionary companies helping lead the charge. Akane Otani, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Chris and Frank Both, who both initially led the charge for the park project in 2020 and 2021, have announced plans to raise even more now to help the park get built. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 The breakdown: $57,410 for tuition itself, $10,960 for the room charge, $7,670 for the board rate, and an additional $3,500 for miscellaneous expenses (which are considered class dues, costs of books, and personal expenses). Alena Botros, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 Off the runway, Kim Kardashian is undoubtedly leading the charge. Harper's BAZAAR, 8 Sep. 2022 The top charge against Bannon carries a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison. Michael R. Sisak, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2022 See More
Verb
Giant arrays of batteries that charge at night when prices are cheaper and help balance the grid during the day are being installed by utilities and asset managers. Anna Hirtenstein, WSJ, 10 Sep. 2022 That's when demand is at its peal and stadiums as well as third-parties charge as much fans are willing to pay. Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2022 The company says that its 12-volt Bolt power bank can charge a laptop, or phone, serve as an outlet or even restart a car battery. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Fitz entered a no-contest plea to the failure to comply charge, and the other charges were dismissed, according to court records. Olivia Mitchell, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Looking for more ways to protect and charge your iPhone 12 or 13? Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2022 That's $800 less than what the San Francisco 49ers charge a family of four, the most expensive cost index in the NFL. José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2022 The city plans to have resilience hubs, where seniors can go to get cool and charge their phones after a disaster. Carolyn Guniss, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2022 Simply unscrew the 6,000-mAh battery pack from the bottom and, voila, a plinth to wireless charge your phone upon—at 5 watts, that is. WIRED, 5 Sep. 2022 Noun
The reason, Anderson explains, is that even though Zynteglo might be cost-effective over the long term and from a social perspective even at $2.8 million, the one-year charge for it can bring ruin to an insurer’s profit-and-loss statement. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 The charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 The judge said Henderson will remain in the Shelby County Jail without bond for the murder charge against him. Amir Vera And Andi Babineau, CNN, 9 Sep. 2022 Stocks began the week lower but then made up ground over the following days, with shares of banks, manufacturers and consumer-discretionary companies helping lead the charge. Akane Otani, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Chris and Frank Both, who both initially led the charge for the park project in 2020 and 2021, have announced plans to raise even more now to help the park get built. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 The breakdown: $57,410 for tuition itself, $10,960 for the room charge, $7,670 for the board rate, and an additional $3,500 for miscellaneous expenses (which are considered class dues, costs of books, and personal expenses). Alena Botros, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 Off the runway, Kim Kardashian is undoubtedly leading the charge. Harper's BAZAAR, 8 Sep. 2022 The top charge against Bannon carries a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison. Michael R. Sisak, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French charger, from Late Latin carricare, from Latin carrus wheeled vehicle — more at car
Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from charger
First Known Use
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2f
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 7b
Phrases Containing charge
Kids Definition
charge 1 of 2
noun
ˈchärj
1
: the responsibility of managing, controlling, or caring for
She has charge of the building.
He took charge of the planning.
2
: a task or duty given to a person : obligation
Grooming the animals was his charge.
3
: a person or thing given to someone to look after
At long last, each of our charges was tucked in bed. Ann M. Martin, Baby-sitters' Winter Vacation
Ann M. Martin, Baby-sitters' Winter Vacation4
: the price asked especially for a service
5
: an amount listed as a debt on an account
charges on a phone bill
6
: accusation
a charge of mutiny
7
: an instruction or command based on authority
a judge's charge to a jury
8
: the amount of an explosive material (as dynamite) used in a single blast
9
: an amount of electricity
an electrical charge
10
: a rushing attack
the soldiers' charge
11
: the signal for attack
Sound the charge!
charge
2 of 2verb
charged; charging
1
: to give an electric charge to
charge a device
2
: to refill (as an exhausted battery) with available energy
3
: to give a task, duty, or responsibility to
I was charged with supervising the children.
4
: to instruct or command with authority
… he cried to his sons, and charged them to yield … Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court5
: to accuse especially formally
He was charged with speeding.
6
: to rush toward or against
The bull charged the matador.
7
: to ask for payment from
You charged me too much.
8
: to ask or set as a price or fee
The garage charged 100 dollars for repairs.
9
: to enter as a debt or responsibility on a record
The purchase was charged to her account.
Medical Definition
charge 1 of 2
transitive verb
ˈchärj
charged; charging
: to give an electric charge to
charge
2 of 2noun
1
: a plaster or ointment used on a domestic animal
2
: a definite quantity of electricity
especially : an excess or deficiency of electrons in a body
3
: cathexis sense 2
Legal Definition
charge 1 of 2
noun
1
a
: something required : obligation
b
: personal management or supervision
put the child in his charge
c
: a person or thing placed under the care of another
2
: an authoritative instruction or command
especially : instruction in points of law given by a judge to a jury
conviction…reversed, because of trial court's charge W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr. 3
a
: an incurred expense
b
: the price demanded for something (as admission or use)
a finance charge
c
: a debit to an account
especially : a debit resulting from unexpected operating expenses
a charge against earnings
4
: a formal allegation of an offense or wrongdoing
based on a charge that was dismissed National Law Journal
see also complaint, indictment, information National Law Journalcharge
2 of 2transitive verb
charged; charging
1
a
: to impose a task or responsibility on
was charged with protecting civil rights
b
: to command or instruct with authority
especially : to give a charge to (a jury)
the jury should have been charged on common-law negligence National Law Journal
National Law Journal 2
a
: to make an accusation against especially in order to bring to trial
charging her with attempted robbery
see also accuse, indict b
: to allege especially as an accusation
crimes charged in the indictment
3
a
: to impose a financial liability on
charge the estate
b
: to impose or record as a financial burden or liability
charge the debts to the estate
charging the loss against earnings
4
a
: to fix or ask as a fee or payment
charge $4 for parking
b
: to ask payment of (an individual or organization)
charge a client for expenses
charge 1 of 2
noun
1
as in indictment
a formal claim of criminal wrongdoing against a person charges of burglary and armed robbery that have yet to be proved Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- indictment
- count
- allegation
- accusation
- complaint
- countercharge
- rap
- plea
- impeachment
- crimination
- arraignment
- condemnation
- insinuation
- censure
- counteraccusation
- incrimination
- denunciation
- imputation
- innuendo
- implication
- recrimination
2
as in job
a specific task with which a person or group is charged your charge is to keep everyone else organized and busy Synonyms & Similar Words
- job
- mission
- responsibility
- duty
- assignment
- operation
- obligation
- requirement
- post
- brief
- business
- office
- burden
- detail
- need
- commission
- work
- commitment
- promise
- labor
- errand
- appointment
- chore
- restraint
- pledge
- designation
- nomination
- compulsion
- constraint
3
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned we've received an official charge about how to handle the situation Synonyms & Similar Words
- instruction
- do
- order
- direction
- edict
- dictate
- command
- requirement
- injunction
- directive
- commandment
- demand
- imperative
- behest
- decree
- mandate
- word
- rule
- law
- regulation
- prescription
- counterorder
- countermand
- statute
- ordinance
- precept
- prescript
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- appeal
- plea
- petition
- proposal
- recommendation
- suggestion
- urging
- entreaty
4
as in responsibility
something one must do because of prior agreement the first charge of our armed forces is to defend this country against enemy attack Synonyms & Similar Words
- responsibility
- obligation
- duty
- need
- burden
- promise
- commitment
- office
- vow
- requirement
- do
- constraint
- pledge
- imperative
- payment
- arrangement
- contract
- devoir
- setup
- incumbency
- pact
- oath
- debt
- must
- tribute
- reservation
- compulsion
- prearrangement
- trust
- restraint
- compact
- force
- word
- coercion
- covenant
- appointment
- engagement
- duress
- onus
- troth
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- discharge
- stay
- release
- relief
- waiver
- exemption
- grace
- ease
- postponement
- choice
- option
- selection
- alternative
- preference
- loophole
- pick
5
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the famously disastrous charge led by General George Pickett at Gettysburg Synonyms & Similar Words
- attack
- assault
- raid
- onslaught
- attempt
- strike
- offense
- offensive
- rush
- bombardment
- aggression
- offence
- blitz
- onset
- blitzkrieg
- counterattack
- barrage
- invasion
- ambush
- incursion
- coup de main
- bombing
- descent
- siege
- breakthrough
- sack
- counteraggression
- air raid
- counterassault
- flanking
- ambuscade
- foray
- pillage
- volley
- envelopment
- ravage
- sortie
- sally
- counterstrike
- counteroffensive
- hail
- storm
- fusillade
- cannonade
- salvo
- whammy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- defense
- resistance
- guard
- opposition
- protection
- shield
- security
- shelter
- defensive
6
as in cost
the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something the charge for the book will be five dollars Synonyms & Similar Words
- cost
- fee
- price
- rate
- freight
- damage
- price tag
- bill
- ante
- figure
- value
- overcharge
- sale
- tariff
- market value
- discount
- valuation
- surcharge
- service charge
- reduction
- list price
- unit price
- deposit
- deduction
- asking price
- carrying charge
- invoice
- sticker price
- price point
- service fee
- fair market value
- down payment
- markdown
- check
- account
- tab
7
as in supervision
the duty or function of watching or guarding for the sake of proper direction or control was given charge of the business during the owner's absence Synonyms & Similar Words
- supervision
- stewardship
- oversight
- management
- control
- leadership
- policing
- regulation
- care
- administration
- superintendence
- guidance
- monitoring
- surveillance
- government
- running
- direction
- superintendency
- observing
- observation
- headship
- steering
- protection
- shepherding
- rule
- guardianship
- observance
- piloting
- auspices
- generalship
- hand(s)
- reign
- trusteeship
- tutelage
- aegis
- egis
8
as in expense
a payment made in the course of achieving a result the charges mounted at a dizzying pace as the building project went way over budget Synonyms & Similar Words
- expense
- cost
- expenditure
- outlay
- rate
- price
- overhead
- disbursement
- tariff
- outflow
- outgo
- pocket money
- toll
- spending money
- tab
9
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings the slopes at this resort aren't particularly challenging and aren't likely to give expert skiers much of a charge Synonyms & Similar Words
- thrill
- kick
- rush
- boot
- wallop
- frisson
- exhilaration
- high
- bang
- intoxication
- titillation
- enjoyment
- electrification
- jollies
- shock
- lift
- jolt
- entertainment
- surprise
- surprize
- joy
- pleasure
- arousal
- diversion
- treat
- amusement
- buzz
- delight
- fun
- delectation
10
as in handling
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something he inherited charge of the Paris bureau after his supervisor quit Synonyms & Similar Words
- handling
- management
- supervision
- control
- administration
- operation
- oversight
- direction
- government
- stewardship
- conduct
- running
- governance
- regulation
- leadership
- presidency
- guidance
- superintendence
- care
- custody
- intendance
- superintendency
- agency
- protection
- safekeeping
- manipulation
- logistics
- guardianship
- ward
- engineering
- keeping
- lap
- rulership
- generalship
- trust
- tutelage
- aegis
- codirection
- machination
- egis
- coadministration
- comanagement
charge
2 of 2verb
1
as in to ask
to set or receive as a price any shop would charge $100 to repair that thing Synonyms & Similar Words
- ask
- demand
- price
- overcharge
- bring
- undercharge
- fetch
- command
- discount
- bill
- invoice
- value
- assess
- mark up
- mark down
- sell (for)
2
as in to impose
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty charges a restocking fee for returned merchandise Synonyms & Similar Words
- impose
- levy
- fine
- put
- assess
- tax
- force
- exact
- lay
- dock
- penalize
- excise
- extort
- gouge
- inflict
- compel
- coerce
- milk
- shake down
- squeeze
- relay
- fleece
- mulct
- skin
- wrest
- set
- wring
- bleed
- wreak
- reimpose
- reapply
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- remit
- diminish
- release
- forgive
- abate
- excuse
- lessen
- ignore
- disregard
- pardon
- condone
- gloss (over)
- gloze (over)
3
as in to task
to give a task, duty, or responsibility to we're charging you with the care of your little sister while we're gone for the evening Synonyms & Similar Words
- task
- entrust
- commission
- trust
- assign
- intrust
- impose
- delegate
- commit
- authorize
- consign
- confer
- recommend
- allocate
- relegate
- allot
- empower
- repose
- confide
- invest
4
as in to order
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority charged the soldier to keep watch over the prisoner Synonyms & Similar Words
- order
- instruct
- tell
- command
- direct
- ask
- bid
- request
- advise
- beg
- enjoin
- commission
- force
- adjure
- warn
- control
- petition
- require
- authorize
- boss (around)
- appoint
- supervise
- conduct
- lead
- counsel
- oversee
- compel
- assign
- manage
- superintend
- coerce
- entreat
- beseech
- oblige
- constrain
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- keep
- mind
- obey
- observe
- comply (with)
- follow
5
as in to accuse
to make a claim of wrongdoing against he has not yet been charged with any crime Synonyms & Similar Words
- accuse
- blame
- indict
- prosecute
- criminate
- incriminate
- tax
- sue
- impeach
- criticize
- fault
- arraign
- appeal
- defame
- censure
- try
- denounce
- summon
- condemn
- book
- inculpate
- impugn
- rebuke
- report
- call (on)
- chide
- implicate
- reproach
- recriminate
- reprobate
- castigate
- cite
- damn
- retaliate
- name
- reprove
- frame
- inform (against)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- exonerate
- acquit
- defend
- absolve
- vindicate
- advocate
- justify
- clear
- exculpate
- excuse
- remit
- forgive
- pardon
- champion
- shrive
6
as in to pack
to put into (something) as much as can be held or contained charge a blast furnace with iron ore Synonyms & Similar Words
- pack
- fill
- load
- stuff
- refill
- cram
- heap
- brim
- flood
- jam
- bulk
- overcharge
- jam-pack
- swamp
- replenish
- shove
- glut
- bloat
- reload
- drench
- mat
- ram
- crowd
- saturate
- squash
- repack
- squeeze
- penetrate
- press
- refresh
- overflow
- overfill
- honeycomb
- crush
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- eliminate
- vacate
- drain
- clear
- evacuate
- void
- empty
- draw (off)
- lighten
- clean
- sweep
- exhaust
- bleed
- deplete
- purge
- flush
- scour
7
as in to assault
to take sudden, violent action against plans to charge the enemy's fortification at daybreak Synonyms & Similar Words
- assault
- attack
- raid
- storm
- strike
- ambush
- rush
- rob
- set at
- set upon
- sick
- set on
- sic
- round on
- invade
- trash
- swarm
- tear into
- fly at
- assail
- pitch into
- beset
- light into
- beat up on
- descend (on or upon)
- surprise
- sack
- turn (on)
- bushwhack
- pounce (on or upon)
- mob
- flank
- bomb
- go at
- jump (on)
- mug
- barrage
- cannon
- blitz
- go in (on)
- plunder
- buffet
- nuke
- besiege
- waylay
- ambuscade
- batter
- bombard
- harry
- cannonade
- loot
- ravage
- bum-rush
- surprize
- pillage
- foray
- press
- overrun
- gang up (on)
- envelop
- bang away (at)
- plaster
- beleaguer
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- cover
- protect
- defend
- secure
- guard
- shield
8
as in to thrill
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings of the players are going into this game still charged from their upset victory the week before Synonyms & Similar Words
- thrill
- electrify
- excite
- pump up
- delight
- galvanize
- interest
- intrigue
- inspire
- incite
- turn on
- provoke
- intoxicate
- stimulate
- titillate
- hypnotize
- exhilarate
- arouse
- charm
- rivet
- captivate
- enchant
- mesmerize
- spellbind
- enthral
- bewitch
- tantalize
- enthrall
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- bore
- weary
- tire
- pall
- discourage
- jade
- demoralize
- dishearten
- deject
- dispirit
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of charge are bid, command, direct, enjoin, instruct, and order. While all these words mean "to issue orders," charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.
charged by the President with a secret mission
While in some cases nearly identical to charge, bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).
she bade him be seated
Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.
a general commanding troops
Direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.
directed her assistant to hold all calls
the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark
The meanings of enjoin and charge largely overlap; however, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.
a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet
The synonyms order and charge are sometimes interchangeable, but order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.
ordered his employees about like slaves