chargé d'affaires

American  

[shahr-zhey duh-fair, shahr-zhey, shar-zhey da-fer] / ʃɑrˈʒeɪ dəˈfɛər, ˈʃɑr ʒeɪ, ʃar ʒeɪ daˈfɛr /

noun

Government.

plural

chargés d'affaires

1. Also called chargé d'affaires ad interim.  an official placed in charge of diplomatic business during the temporary absence of the ambassador or minister.

2. an envoy to a state to which a diplomat of higher grade is not sent.

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chargé d'affaires British  

/ ˈʃɑːʒeɪ dæˈfɛə, ʃarʒe dafɛr /

noun

1. the temporary head of a diplomatic mission in the absence of the ambassador or minister

2. the head of a diplomatic mission of the lowest level

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Etymology

Origin of chargé d'affaires

1760–70; < French: literally, one in charge of things

Example Sentences

As Petro was traveling to Washington, Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim president, met with U.S. chargé d’affaires Laura Dogu to talk about the future.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

Her new position as chargé d’affaires augments a career that includes senior roles in hostage recovery for the FBI and as ambassador to Nicaragua and Honduras during periods characterized by social and political volatility.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Seidman was appointed chargé d'affaires at Israel's embassy in South Africa last year and his role also extends to the neighbouring countries of Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Namibia.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

A U.S. diplomatic and security delegation led by chargé d’affaires John McNamara traveled to Venezuela on Friday to conduct logistical and technical evaluations for a possible reopening of the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

A large and notable company is present, among them many high civil functionaries, but the chargé d'affaires is not there.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 15, No. 89, May, 1875 by Various