take-charge

1 of 2

adjective

: having the qualities of a forceful leader
a take-charge executive

take charge

2 of 2

idiomatic phrase

: to assume control, command, care, or custody
… the people Americans have chosen to take charge in times of crisis …Marc Fisher
often used with of
She took charge of the company/team/project.
A neighbor took charge of the children until he got home from the emergency room.
Happiness is what occurs when you take charge of your life …Terina Allen
Samuel Morse wanted the federal government to take charge of building a national telegraph system.Virginia Postrel
I could see that unless I took charge of the situation nothing would get done. So I said, "Mouse, you and Jane … help me … ."Judy Blume

Examples of take-charge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The home team led 2-0 after one quarter and poured it on with eight straight goals in the take-charge second quarter. Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2024 Aries has a take-charge personality that lends itself to strong leadership and resolution, whereas Gemini is more whimsical and indecisive. Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 19 May 2024
Idiomatic phrase
Hill, a Nike veteran who started as an intern, is taking charge at a critical time. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 19 Dec. 2024 The Leafs took charge in the third period outshooting and outchancing Anaheim. Omar White, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for take-charge 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Idiomatic Phrase

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take-charge was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near take-charge

take chances

take-charge

take charge

Cite this Entry

“Take-charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take-charge. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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