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
More mild-mannered than take-charge showman, Ricks prefers to take an under-the-radar approach to dominating the industry. Alice Park, Time, 17 Apr. 2025 The result is a unique action sequence that cements Rain’s transformation into a fearless, take-charge hero. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025
Idiomatic phrase
But Haugh and Clayton took charge while the Red Raiders could not keep up as Florida outscored them 20-6 during the final four minutes. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025 As chronicled on his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took charge of the Charlotte program on the video game’s dynasty mode, ultimately leading Charlotte to a national championship. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Take-charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take-charge. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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