surcharge

UK: /ˈsɜːtʃɑːdʒ/ | US: /ˈsɜːrtʃɑːrdʒ/

Definition
  1. n. an additional charge or payment

  2. vt. to impose an extra fee or cost

Structure
sur <over>charge <load/fee>
Etymology

The word "surcharge" originates from Old French surcharger, combining sur- (meaning "over" or "above," from Latin super-) and charger (meaning "to load" or "to impose a fee," from Late Latin carricare). The term evolved in Middle English to denote an extra burden or cost, reflecting its literal sense of "overloading" a base charge. The morpheme sur- is common in financial and legal contexts (e.g., surtax), while charge retains its dual meaning of physical burden and monetary demand.

Examples
  1. The hotel added a 10% surcharge for peak-season bookings.

  2. Customers complained about the surcharge for credit card payments.

  3. The airline surcharges baggage exceeding the weight limit.

  4. A fuel surcharge was applied to all deliveries due to rising oil prices.

  5. The bill included a hidden surcharge for "service fees."