charge
UK: tʃɑːdʒ | US: tʃɑːrdʒ
n. 1. a price or cost for a service or good
n. 2. responsibility or control over someone/something
vt. 1. to demand payment
vt. 2. to accuse formally
vt. 3. to rush forward aggressively
The word "charge" originates from Old French charger (to load), derived from Late Latin carricare (to load a vehicle), which itself comes from Latin carrus (cart or wagon). The core idea of "loading" evolved metaphorically into meanings like "imposing a burden" (financial or legal) and "rushing forward" (as if loaded with energy). The modern senses reflect this progression from physical loading to abstract responsibilities or accusations.
The hotel charges $200 per night during peak season.
She was put in charge of the new project.
The prosecutor decided to charge him with fraud.
The cavalry prepared to charge at dawn.
There’s no charge for using the library.