noun / verb
charge
responsibility entrusted to someone for a duty or another's care
The teacher takes charge of the group at the museum.
Etymology
The older verb means to load. A duty placed on someone becomes a figurative load to carry, giving charge its sense of entrusted responsibility.
More examples
- She was charged with organizing the event.
- He left the children in his sister's charge.
- The nurse checked each of her charges before leaving.
Forms
charge · charges · charged · charging
Similar words
- responsibility
- A broad term without implying formal assignment.
- custody
- Specifically protective or legal care of a person or object.