Charges

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

4 meanings
1

A sum of money asked for a service or product.

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A sum of money demanded for a service or goods.

The hotel charges an extra fee for Wi-Fi.

💡 Simply: It's like the price you pay for something. For example, the store charges $5 for an apple, that's the charge!

👶 For kids: Money you have to give for something.

More Examples

2

What are the charges for shipping?

How It's Used

Finance

"The restaurant charges a high price for its lobster."

Retail

"There are extra charges for baggage on the airline."

2

A formal accusation of a crime.

/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz/

nounnegativeIntermediate
Legal

An accusation of wrongdoing.

He was charged with theft.

💡 Simply: It's when someone says you did something wrong, like accusing you of a crime. For example, the police filed charges against the thief.

👶 For kids: Saying someone did something bad.

More Examples

2

The charges were dropped.

How It's Used

Legal

"The police brought charges against the suspect."

Tip:Think of a battery 'charging' – it's building up potential, just like an accusation.
3

To demand payment for something.

/tʃɑːrdʒ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To ask for a sum of money.

They charge $5 for a cup of coffee.

💡 Simply: It means asking for money for something. The mechanic charged me $50 to fix my bike.

👶 For kids: Asking for money for doing something.

More Examples

2

How much do they charge for delivery?

How It's Used

Business

"The electrician charged $100 for the repair."

Tip:Think of 'charging' your account – adding money to it.
4

To formally accuse someone of a crime.

/tʃɑːrdʒ/

verbnegativeIntermediate
Legal

To accuse someone of something.

The suspect was charged with fraud.

💡 Simply: It means to formally accuse someone of doing something wrong. The police charged the man with robbery.

👶 For kids: Saying someone did something bad and they're in trouble.

More Examples

2

She was charged with assault.

How It's Used

Legal

"The police charged him with murder."

Tip:Imagine someone 'charging' at you – aggressively accusing you.

Idioms & expressions

in charge of

Responsible for something or someone.

"She's in charge of the project."

From Old French *charger, from Vulgar Latin *carricare, from Latin carrus "wagon". The sense evolved from "to load" to "to accuse" and "to demand payment".

The word's usage in legal contexts dates back to the 16th century.

Memory tip

Think of 'charging' your phone – you need to 'pay' energy.

chargschrageschargees

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written