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Overcharge - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Overcharge means to charge someone too much money for goods or services, often unfairly. It can also refer to supplying excessive power to a device, risking damage.

overcharge

/ˌoʊvɚˈtʃɑɹdʒ/ /ˌəʊvəˈtʃɑːdʒ/

Definition:

To charge someone too much money for goods or services.

Synonyms:

overprice, gouge, fleece, rip off

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

undercharge, discount

Common Collocations:

overcharge customers, accidentally overcharge, deliberately overcharge

Derivatives:

overcharging, overcharged

Usage Tips:

Use "overcharge" when someone pays more than the fair price; often implies unfairness or deception.

Common Phrases:

price gouging, rip-off, highway robbery

Etymology:

From Middle English "over-" (excessively) + "charge" (to load or burden), first used in the 15th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The store tried to overcharge me for the shirt.
  • 2. Tourists are often overcharged by taxi drivers in busy areas.
  • 3. She complained when the restaurant overcharged her bill by mistake.
  • 4. Companies that overcharge customers risk losing their trust and business.

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