surcharge UK /ˈsɜːt͡ʃɑːd͡ʒ/US /ˈsɜɹt͡ʃɑɹd͡ʒ/noun 8verb 4forms 4 noun8 •An addition of extra charge on the agreed, stated, or baseline price. Sometimes portrayed by a buyer as excessive and rapacious; usually portrayed by a seller as justified and necessary.Our airline tickets cost twenty dollars more than we expected because we had to pay a fuel surcharge. •The part of the price of a subsidized good or service that is not covered by the subsidy and so must be paid by the consumer. •An overprint on a stamp that alters (usually raises) the original nominal value of the stamp; used especially in times of hyperinflation. •A penalty for failure to exercise common prudence and skill in the performance of a fiduciary's duties. •A charge that has been omitted from an account as payment of a credit to the charged party •A painting in lighter enamel over a darker one that serves as the ground. •(no longer used) An excessive load or burden.A Numerous Nobility, causet Pouerty, and Inconuenience in a State: For it is a Surcharge of Expence — 1625 •(no longer used) The putting, by a commoner, of more animals on the common than he is entitled to. verb4 •To apply a surcharge. •To overload; to overburden.My heauy hart I feare will breake in twaine, Surcharged with a heauie loade of thoughts. — 1593 •To overstock; especially, to put more cattle into (e.g. a common) than one has a right to do, or more than the herbage will sustain.Another disturbance of common is by surcharging it; or putting more cattle therein than the pasture and herbage will sustain, or the party hath a right to do. — 1768 •To show an omission in (an account) for which credit ought to have been given. formssurcharged · surcharging · surcharges · surchargeth