phrasal
1. : to assume care, custody, command, or control
take charge of an office
take charge of a neighbor's children
took charge of operations in the western sector
was sent to the new division to take charge
2.
a. : to get out of control
anchor chain took charge and ran out
should a ladder which is being raised or lowered take charge — Fire Service Drill Book
b. of a ship : to come up into the wind in spite of the helmsman