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toll

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈtoʊɫ// UK //tˈəʊl// toll Archaic Dialect

n. the total amount of damage, suffering, or death caused by a bad event. It can also mean the fee you pay to use a specific road or bridge.

n. the total number of deaths, casualties, or injuries resulting from a disaster; also, a fixed charge for the use of public infrastructure. Often used metaphorically to describe the cumulative negative impact of a persistent stressor.


SIMPLE

The heavy storm took a high toll on the local crops.

CONTEXTUAL

The death toll from the earthquake continued to rise as rescue teams reached the remote mountain villages.

COMPLEX

Years of working double shifts eventually took a heavy toll on his physical health and mental well-being, leading to a forced early retirement.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the idiomatic phrase 'take a toll on' to describe gradual damage or exhaustion.

Pitfall

the toll of the road was five dollarsthe toll for the road was five dollarsWhen referring to a fee, 'toll' usually takes the preposition 'for' or 'on', whereas 'of' is typically used for the number of casualties.

Idioms1 entry

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