supercharge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, metaphorical use common in business/tech contexts. Technical/literal use in engineering.
Quick answer
What does “supercharge” mean?
To charge (a battery or device) at a much faster rate than normal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To charge (a battery or device) at a much faster rate than normal; to add a supercharger (forced induction) to an engine to dramatically increase its power output.
To dramatically improve the performance, power, efficiency, or intensity of something; to give something an extraordinary boost or enhancement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning. 'Supercharge' is used equally in both varieties. The metaphorical extension is prevalent in business/tech jargon globally.
Connotations
Connotes high performance, modern technology, and significant power increase. Slightly 'tech-bro' or corporate jargon when used metaphorically.
Frequency
Slightly higher metaphorical frequency in US business/tech media. Literal/engineering use stable in both.
Grammar
How to Use “supercharge” in a Sentence
supercharge + noun (object)supercharge + noun + with + nounbe supercharged (passive)supercharge + noun + for + purposeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supercharge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new software update will supercharge your laptop's processing speed.
- They decided to supercharge the old MG for better track performance.
American English
- This investment will supercharge our expansion into new markets.
- He supercharged his truck to compete in the mud bogging event.
adjective
British English
- The supercharged battery pack allows for a full charge in 15 minutes.
- He drives a supercharged Jaguar.
American English
- We need a supercharged approach to customer service.
- The supercharged edition of the game has exclusive features.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Our new AI tool will supercharge your marketing analytics.
Academic
The new catalyst has the potential to supercharge the chemical reaction rate.
Everyday
A strong coffee in the morning supercharges my day.
Technical
The mechanic will supercharge the classic car's V8 engine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supercharge”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supercharge”
- Using it to mean simply 'improve' without the connotation of dramatic, power-like increase. (e.g., 'This will supercharge the colour of the room' - incorrect). Confusing with 'overcharge' (to charge too much money or electricity).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its original, literal meaning relates to engines (superchargers) and fast-charging batteries, its most common use today is metaphorical, meaning to dramatically boost or enhance anything (e.g., productivity, growth).
Technically, in engineering, they are different types of forced induction for engines. Metaphorically, they are often used interchangeably, but 'turbocharge' might slightly emphasize speed of acceleration, while 'supercharge' emphasizes raw power. In business jargon, 'turbocharge' is perhaps slightly more common.
Its metaphorical use is acceptable in business, tech, and journalistic writing but is considered informal. For formal academic or technical writing, prefer more precise terms like 'enhance', 'amplify', 'accelerate', or 'optimise' unless referring to the literal engineering process.
No, this is redundant. 'Supercharge' already contains the meaning of adding power/charge. Simply use 'supercharge it'. 'Charge it up' is correct, but not 'supercharge it up'.
To charge (a battery or device) at a much faster rate than normal.
Supercharge: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpətʃɑːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpərtʃɑːrdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly idiomatic. Used as a verb in metaphorical phrases.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SUPER (above normal) + CHARGE (power/energy). Imagine a superhero (SUPER) plugging in to get a massive power CHARGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/ENERGY IS A FLUID THAT CAN BE INCREASED; IMPROVEMENT IS A MECHANICAL BOOST.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'supercharge' used in its most literal, original sense?