n.
Pronunciation: ' chärj
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from charger
Date: 13th century
1 a obsolete : a material load or weight b : a figure borne on a heraldic field
2 a : the quantity that an apparatus is intended to receive and fitted to hold b : the quantity of explosive used in a single discharge c : a store or accumulation of impelling force <the deeply emotional charge of the drama> d : a definite quantity of electricity especially : an excess or deficiency of electrons in a body e : THRILL , KICK <got a charge out of the game>
3 a : OBLIGATION , REQUIREMENT b : MANAGEMENT , SUPERVISION <has charge of the home office> c : the ecclesiastical jurisdiction (as a parish) committed to a clergyman d : a person or thing committed to the care of another
4 a : INSTRUCTION , COMMAND b : instruction in points of law given by a court to a jury
5 a : EXPENSE , COST <gave the banquet at his own charge > b : the price demanded for something <no admission charge > c : a debit to an account <the purchase was a 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
6 a : a formal assertion of illegality <a charge of murder> b : a statement of complaint or hostile criticism <denied the charge s of nepotism that were leveled against him>
7 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 (as basketball)
– in charge : having control or custody of something <he is in charge of the training program>