charge

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an impetuous rush toward someone or something

   The bull's charge carried it towards the matador.

2. 2
   noun

   a quantity of explosive to be set off at one time

   this cartridge has a powder charge of 50 grains

3. 3
   noun

   in criminal law, a pleading describing some wrong or offense

   They were arrested on a charge of larceny.

4. 4
   noun

   an assertion that someone is guilty of a fault or offence

   the newspaper published charges that Jones was guilty of drunken driving

5. 5
   noun

   a formal statement of a command or injunction to do something

   the judge's charge to the jury

6. 6
   noun

   request for payment of a debt

   they submitted their charges at the end of each month

7. 7
   noun

   the libidinal energy invested in some idea or person or object

   Freud thought of cathexis as a psychic analog of an electrical charge.

8. 8
   noun

   a person committed to your care

   The teacher led their charges across the street.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ḱers- Proto-Indo-European *-ós Proto-Indo-European *ḱr̥sós Proto-Celtic *karros Gaulish *karrosbor. Late Latin carrus Late Latin -ico Late Latin carricō Late Latin carricāre Old French chargierder. Middle English chargen English charge From Middle English chargen, from Old French chargier, from Late Latin carricō (“to load”), from Latin carrus (“a car, wagon”); see car. Doublet of cargo.