in charge meaning: definition, quotations

in charge

prep_phrase

Having the responsibility of leading or overseeing.

Having the power of command or control.

This internet browser puts you in charge of your personal settings.
You show me the people who control the money, the land, and the weapons, and I'll show you the people in charge.1997, George Carlin, “FIRST THINGS FIRST”, in Brain Droppings, New York: Hyperion Books, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 75:

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Ashley: You're Dr. Warren, the one in charge of the excavation. Do you know what happened to the beacon? Dr. Warren: It was moved to the spaceport this morning. Manuel and I stayed behind to help pack up the camp.2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Eden Prime:

Dated In the care, custody or command (of someone).

The suspect was given in charge and taken to the police station.
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.1835, Robert Smith, The Friend, page 33:

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The average number of children in charge is about 90. One hundred and fifty could be accommodated.1873, Pennsylvania. Dept. of Public Instruction, The Pennsylvania School Journal, page 34:
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.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:
[…] the steamer Fresleven commanded left also in a bad panic, in charge of the engineer, I believe.1899, Joseph Conrad, “Heart of Darkness”, in Blackwood’s Magazine, volume 165, page 199: