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Added 9 October 2026

tax

/tæks/ noun

In Latin: vectīgal, geldum, gabella Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about tax at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government.

verb

Levy a tax on.
The State taxes alcohol heavily
Set or determine the amount of (a payment such as a fine).
Use to the limit.
you are taxing my patience

Origin

From Middle English taxe, from Middle French taxe, from Medieval Latin taxa, from Latin taxō (“to appraise, value, estimate; (medieval) to tax”). Doublet of task. Displaced native Old English gafol, which was also the word for “tribute” and “rent”.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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