public charge

American

noun

a person who is in economic distress and is supported at government expense.

He assured the American consul that the prospective immigrant would not become a public charge.

Etymology

Origin of public charge

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The range of electric cars has improved, as has the number of public charge points.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

As Dominguez made her rounds on Main Street, she repeatedly reassured people: “It’s not a public charge for the government.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2023

Many immigrants are confused about what benefits and aid programs they can receive without being designated a public charge.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2023

Those who violate the public charge standard can be denied the chance to become citizens.

From Washington Times • May 17, 2023

Only, because the deed had been so manifest, a command was laid upon the father that he should make a trespass offering for his son at the public charge.

From Stories From Livy by Pinelli, Bartolomeo

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023