tax
/tæks/ · tax
noun
- Money paid to the government other than for transaction-specific goods and services. The annual tax on property is a significant burden for many homeowners.
- A burdensome demand. The heavy tax on time made it difficult for her to balance work and family responsibilities.
- A task exacted from one who is under control; a contribution or service, the rendering of which is imposed upon a subject. The tax on the conquered land was a significant source of revenue for the empire.
Did you know? The word 'tax' has been used in various forms since the 14th century, with its meaning evolving over time to encompass different types of burdens and demands.