levy
UK: ˈlɛvi | US: ˈlɛvi
n. a compulsory financial charge imposed by a government or authority
vt. to impose or collect (a tax, fee, or fine) by authority
vt. to enlist or conscript (troops) for military service
levy = lev<raise> + y<noun suffix>
- lev (from Old French lever, "to raise," from Latin levare, "to lift or lighten")
- y (noun-forming suffix, often indicating an action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word "levy" traces back to the Latin levare, meaning "to lift" or "lighten." In medieval contexts, it evolved in Old French as lever, referring to raising taxes or troops. The suffix "-y" nominalized the action, giving us the modern sense of an imposed charge or conscription. The logic reflects authority "raising" resources (money or soldiers) from a population.
The government announced a new levy on luxury goods.
The king levied troops to defend the border.
Protesters opposed the unfair levy imposed by the council.
The city plans to levy fines for late tax payments.
Historically, feudal lords could levy taxes on their subjects.