charge

Where does the word "charge" come from? It comes from Late Latin carricare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Charge’s story begins in Late Latin: carricare meant “to load a wagon.” From 'carrus', wagon, the same root as 'car' and 'carry'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as chargier. A burden, then a duty or cost. It reached English by 1200s as charge. Electrical 'charge' dates from the 1740s. Today, charge means to ask a price; to rush forward; electrical energy.

1. Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient carricare "to load a wagon", from 'carrus', wagon, the same root as 'car' and 'carry'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval chargier "to load", a burden, then a duty or cost.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s charge "to load; a burden", electrical 'charge' dates from the 1740s.