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

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

The police department’s Detective Bureau responded and took charge of the investigation, finding that the victim was shot during an armed robbery involving multiple suspects, including one who was armed with a gun. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Nov. 2024 And Butler taking charge when needed, including a game-tying driving dunk with 4.3 seconds left in regulation Sunday, with a wild spinning layup earlier to help set up the dramatic finish. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for take-charge