in charge

in charge (comparative more in charge, superlative most in charge)

1. Having the responsibility of leading or overseeing.

   He left his daughter in charge of watching her younger sisters.

2. Having the power of command or control.

   This internet browser puts you in charge of your personal settings.

3. (dated) Being in the care or custody of someone else.

   The suspect was given in charge and taken to the police station.

   • 1835, Robert Smith, The Friend, page 33

     I have myself seen the wife of a mohout give a baby in charge to an elephant, while she was on some business, and have been highly amused in observing the sagacity and care of the unwieldy nurse.

   • 1873, Pennsylvania. Dept. of Public Instruction, The Pennsylvania School Journal, page 34

     The average number of children in charge is about 90. One hundred and fifty could be accommodated.

   • 1878, Wisconsin. Legislature. Joint Special Committee on the Revision of the Statutes, Report of the Joint Special Committee on the Revision of the Statutes, page 20

     If the commitment be made on the petition of parents, guardian or persons having the child in charge, the judge may, in his discretion, require them to pay the whole or any part of the expense of his maintenance, according to their ability.

• (in charge of a company or project): at the helm

• large and in charge

• chagrine, chearing, reaching