surcharge

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. a new price printed over the original value on a postage stamp.

n. an overprint on a postage stamp that alters its face value, frequently employed during periods of rapid inflation.

Español:sobrecarga

“Collectors look for rare stamps where the surcharge was printed upside down.”

“During the hyperinflation of the 1920s, the postal service issued a surcharge on existing stock rather than printing new denominations.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. a fine or penalty for not doing a professional duty correctly.

n. a penalty imposed by a court on a fiduciary for failing to exercise proper care or skill in their duties.

“The trustee faced a heavy surcharge for losing the client's money.”

“The court ordered a surcharge against the executor after finding evidence of gross negligence in the management of the estate's assets.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to charge someone an extra amount of money.

v. to impose an additional fee or tax on a transaction or account.

“The hotel will surcharge you if you use the mini-bar in your room.”

“The credit card company decided to surcharge all international transactions to cover the rising costs of currency exchange.”

C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary

v. to put too much weight or work on something.

v. to overburden or overload a person, animal, or system.

“The old bridge was surcharged with the weight of the heavy trucks.”

“The poet described a heart surcharged with grief, unable to bear the weight of such profound loss.”