take-charge

1 of 2

adjective

ˈtāk-ˈchärj 

: 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

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

The Libertarian Party has seen internal turmoil in recent years, with a faction called the Mises Caucus taking charge and taking a more aggressive, hardline and sometimes isolating stance on the party and its future. —Stephen Fowler, NPR, 25 May 2024

The three seniors have taken charge in showing their younger teammates how varsity players need to operate. —Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Idiomatic Phrase

14th century, in the meaning defined above