tax
UK: tæks | US: tæks
n. a compulsory financial charge imposed by a government on income, goods, or activities
vt. to impose a financial charge on (a person or entity) by authority of law
vt. to strain or burden (someone or something) excessively
The word "tax" originates from the Latin taxare, meaning "to assess, charge, or censure." It evolved through Old French taxer before entering Middle English with its current financial and figurative meanings. The root reflects the concept of imposing a measured burden, whether monetary or metaphorical.
The government plans to increase income tax next year.
Small businesses often struggle to pay high taxes.
She was taxed with organizing the entire event.
His constant complaints taxed my patience.
The new regulations will tax the resources of local authorities.