Charged

/tʃɑːrdʒd/

verbIntermediateVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To formally accuse someone of committing a crime.

/tʃɑːrdʒd/

verbnegativeIntermediate
General

To accuse someone of a crime

The suspect was charged with theft.

💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero getting arrested – that's being charged with a crime! It means someone is officially accused of doing something wrong.

👶 For kids: Someone says you did something bad, and it's a big deal.

More Examples

2

She was charged with fraud.

How It's Used

Legal

"The police charged him with murder."

2

To ask for money in exchange for goods or services.

/tʃɑːrdʒd/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To ask for payment

They charged me too much for the repair.

💡 Simply: Like asking for money for something. The shop charged me $5 for the candy.

👶 For kids: To ask for money.

More Examples

2

How much do they charge for a haircut?

How It's Used

Business

"The hotel charged me $100 for the room."

Tip:Think of charging your phone – it needs energy (money).
3

Filled with a strong emotion or energy.

/tʃɑːrdʒd/

adjectivepositiveIntermediate
General

Filled with energy or emotion

The room was charged with anticipation.

💡 Simply: Imagine a room before a big concert – everyone's excited, buzzing with energy! That's a charged atmosphere.

👶 For kids: Full of excitement!

More Examples

2

Her voice was charged with emotion.

How It's Used

General

"The atmosphere was charged with excitement."

Tip:Think of a charged battery – full of power.

Idioms & expressions

charged atmosphere

An atmosphere filled with tension or excitement.

"The charged atmosphere in the courtroom was palpable."

From Old French *charger (to load, burden), from Vulgar Latin *carricare (to load a cart), from Latin carrus (cart).

The word 'charged' has evolved from its original meaning of 'loaded' to encompass various metaphorical uses, reflecting shifts in societal focus over time.

Memory tip

Think of a charging bull – aggressive and accusatory.

chargdcharrged

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written