toll

[tohl]

toll Definition

  • 1a charge payable for permission to use a particular bridge or road
  • 2the number of deaths, casualties, or injuries arising from particular circumstances, especially a natural disaster, conflict, or accident

Using toll: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "toll" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The toll for crossing the bridge is $5.

  • Example

    The hurricane took a heavy toll on the coastal towns.

  • Example

    The pandemic has taken a toll on people's mental health.

  • Example

    The toll of the war was devastating.

toll Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with toll

  • have a damaging or exhausting effect on someone or something

    Example

    The long hours at work are taking a toll on her health.

  • accept the consequences or costs of something

    Example

    If you want to succeed, you have to pay the toll and put in the hard work.

  • ring/toll the bell

    cause a bell to ring slowly and repeatedly, especially for a funeral or death

    Example

    The church bells tolled as the funeral procession passed by.

Origins of toll

from Old English 'tol', meaning 'tax'

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Summary: toll in Brief

The term 'toll' [tohl] refers to a charge for using a particular bridge or road, or the number of deaths, casualties, or injuries arising from particular circumstances. It can also mean the damaging or exhausting effect of something, as in 'The long hours at work are taking a toll on her health.' 'Toll' extends into phrases like 'pay the toll,' denoting accepting the consequences or costs of something, and 'ring/toll the bell,' referring to causing a bell to ring slowly and repeatedly, especially for a funeral or death.

How do native speakers use this expression?