What does recharge mean?
Recharge means to restore energy or power that has been used up. Its most literal use refers to restoring the charge in a battery, as in charging a phone, laptop, or electric vehicle. It can also describe replenishing a person’s physical or mental energy: a quiet weekend may recharge someone who has been exhausted by work. The word is useful because it links an everyday technical process with the broader idea of renewal. “Recharge” is generally neutral and common in both British and American English. In formal writing, it can sound somewhat metaphorical but remains natural. The related noun “a recharge” is chiefly informal, while the compounds “rechargeable” and “recharge cycle” are established technical terms.
To restore the charge in a battery or other power source; figuratively, to restore depleted energy, resources, or enthusiasm.
"We stopped at a café so the team could recharge before the meeting."
Common in literal electrical contexts and in figurative expressions about personal energy, motivation, or resources.
An act or instance of restoring power or replenishing energy and resources.
"The phone needs a recharge before we leave."
This noun is informal and less common than the verb. In technical writing, “recharge cycle” and “rechargeable battery” are more customary.
The plural is occasional and mainly occurs in informal or technical descriptions of repeated charging events.
"The battery has survived several recharges."
The same word powers your phone and metaphorically recharges a tired mind: both involve restoring something depleted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recharge come from?
The word combines the English prefix “re-,” meaning “again,” with “charge,” from the French “charger,” meaning “to load” or “to charge.” The form “recharge” developed in English during the early modern period, initially in contexts involving loading or restoring something. Its later use for restoring electrical charge followed the growth of battery technology, while the figurative sense of renewing someone’s energy became established in the 20th century.
Related word forms
How recharge is actually used
As a verb, “recharge” is common in both formal and informal contexts. The noun “a recharge” is informal and less frequent; in technical contexts, expressions such as “recharge cycle” and “rechargeable battery” are more usual.
Easily confused with recharge
To recharge is to restore electrical power or energy, whereas to discharge is to release or use up that energy.