# charging

/ˈtʃɑɹdʒɪŋ/ (US) · /tʃˈɑːdʒɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/charging
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. filling a battery

verb · CEFR A2

putting electricity into a battery so it can work again.

For teachers: the process of replenishing the electrical energy in a battery or capacitor.

- I am charging my phone because the battery is almost dead.
- The technician noted that charging the vehicle overnight would be more cost-effective due to lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.

### 2. asking for money

verb · CEFR B1

asking someone to pay a specific price for something.

For teachers: demanding a specific amount as a price or fee for goods or services.

- The hotel is charging us extra for the breakfast buffet.
- The consultancy is charging a premium for their services, justifying the expense by pointing to their high success rate in the sector.

### 3. rushing forward

verb · CEFR B2

running or moving forward very quickly and forcefully.

For teachers: moving forward rapidly and with force, often in an aggressive or determined manner.

- The children were charging down the hill to get to the playground.
- The cavalry was charging across the open field, their sudden movement catching the opposing forces completely off guard.

### 4. sports foul

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a mistake in basketball where a player runs into a defender who is standing still.

For teachers: an offensive foul committed when a player with the ball moves into a stationary defender.

- The referee called a charging foul on the star player in the final minute.
- The coach argued that the defender was still moving, but the official remained firm in his decision to call charging.

## Examples

- I am charging my phone because the battery is low.
- Most people prefer charging their electric vehicles overnight when electricity rates are lower and the car is not in use.
- While modern lithium-ion batteries are efficient, charging them to one hundred percent every single day can eventually reduce their overall lifespan and capacity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.