n. & v.
--n.
1. a contribution to State revenue compulsorily levied on individuals, property, or businesses (often foll. by on: a tax on luxury goods).
2 (usu. foll. by on, upon) a strain or heavy demand; an oppressive or burdensome obligation.
--v.tr.
1. impose a tax on (persons or goods etc.).
2 deduct tax from (income etc.).
3 make heavy demands on (a person's powers or resources etc.) (you really tax my patience).
4 (foll. by with) confront (a person) with a wrongdoing etc.
5 call to account.
6 Law examine and assess (costs etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
tax avoidance the arrangement of financial affairs to minimize payment of tax. tax-deductible (of expenditure) that may be paid out of income before the deduction of income tax. tax disc Brit. a paper disc displayed on the windscreen of a motor vehicle, certifying payment of excise duty. tax evasion the illegal non-payment or underpayment of income tax. tax-free exempt from taxes. tax haven a country etc. where income tax is low. tax return a declaration of income for taxation purposes. tax shelter a means of organizing business affairs to minimize payment of tax. tax year see financial year.
Derivatives:
taxable adj. taxer n. taxless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF taxer f. L taxare censure, charge, compute, perh. f. Gk tasso fix