Surcharge
/ˈsɜːr.tʃɑːrdʒ/noun
An additional amount added to an existing charge, cost, or price.
Did you know?Surcharge entered English through Old French and Latin roots meaning “to load over,” and the same ancient charge-root also survives in words about loading, burden, and military charges.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
carricare
“to load a wagon or cart”
Late Latin
Latin
carrica
“a load, burden”
Old French
Old French
surcharger
“to overload, to impose an extra burden”
14th Century
English
surcharge
“to overcharge, overburden, or impose an additional load”
Modern English
English
surcharge
“an additional fee or charge added to a standard amount”