recharge
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to put electricity back into a battery so it can work again.
v.to restore electrical energy to a battery or a device containing one.
Simple“I need to recharge my phone because the battery is at five percent.”
In context“The electric vehicle takes approximately six hours to fully recharge when connected to a standard home charging station.”
UsageTransitive; requires a direct object like 'battery', 'phone', or 'laptop'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to rest for a while so that you feel strong and energetic again.
v.to recover one's health, spirits, or energy through rest or a change of activity.
Simple“A weekend at the beach helped me recharge after a very busy month at work.”
In context“Executives often find that a complete disconnection from digital devices is necessary to truly recharge during their annual leave.”
UsageOften used intransitively, or with 'batteries' as a metaphorical object.
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to add water back into the ground where it is stored naturally.
v.to replenish an aquifer with water through natural percolation or artificial injection.
Simple“Heavy rain helps to recharge the underground water supplies in this dry area.”
In context“Environmental engineers are studying how treated wastewater can be used to recharge local aquifers without compromising water quality.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the process of getting power or energy back.
n.the act or instance of restoring electrical power or personal vitality.
Simple“The phone needs a full recharge before we go out for the day.”
In context“After the intense quarterly review, the team was desperate for a mental recharge.”
Synonyms
From Old French rechargier, from Old French re- + Old French chargier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.