Toll Meaning
Toll Definition & Usage
A fee charged for the use of a service or facility, such as a road, bridge, or highway.
Examples
- "The driver paid the toll before crossing the bridge."
- "We’ll have to stop at the toll booth on our way to the airport."
- "The toll for using the expressway increased last year."
- "The toll on the new bridge is $5 for cars and $10 for trucks."
- "Motorists were upset about the sudden increase in tolls on the highway."
A negative effect or cost associated with an action, experience, or event.
Examples
- "The long hours of work took a toll on his health."
- "The stress of the job started to take a toll on her mental wellbeing."
- "The war left a heavy toll on the country's economy."
- "She paid a high toll for her success, losing her friends in the process."
- "The toll of the pandemic on small businesses has been devastating."
To charge or collect a fee, especially for the use of a road or service.
Examples
- "The highway authorities toll vehicles at every exit point."
- "They toll the road to help maintain it."
- "He tolls the bridge for every car that crosses."
- "The government plans to toll the new tunnel once it's opened."
- "Toll booths were set up along the highway to collect fees."
Cultural Context
The concept of tolls dates back to medieval times when tolls were collected on bridges and roads to fund their maintenance. In modern usage, tolls are a common part of infrastructure funding, especially for highways, tunnels, and bridges. While tolls are widespread in the United States and Europe, they can also be found in parts of Asia and other regions.
The Cost of Progress
Story
The Cost of Progress
Mark had always admired the new highway that cut through the forest, saving him hours on his daily commute. But there was one catch: a toll booth right at the beginning. The first time he drove through, he handed over a crisp five-dollar bill without thinking twice. 'For the convenience, it's worth it,' he told himself, as the booth attendant waved him through. Over the next few weeks, however, that five-dollar toll began to add up. His weekly commutes were now costing him $25 in toll fees alone. One afternoon, after a long, exhausting week of work, Mark found himself at the toll booth again. His car was the only one in line. As the attendant collected his fee, Mark couldn't help but feel the weight of it—both figuratively and literally. 'This road might save me time, but it’s also taking a toll on my wallet,' he thought. He was starting to notice the strain on his finances, especially after the toll hikes announced last month. But as Mark thought more about it, he realized it wasn't just the financial toll that bothered him. The long hours spent on the road, the pressure of meeting deadlines, and the stress from his job were taking their toll on his personal life too. He hadn't seen his friends in weeks, and his sleep was becoming irregular. It wasn’t just the toll on his car’s gas tank—it was a toll on his health, his happiness, and his relationships. As he drove away from the toll booth, Mark made a decision. The convenience of the highway wasn't worth the personal cost anymore. He decided to take the old back roads, even if it meant losing an hour each day. After all, he thought, there are some tolls you just can’t pay without consequences.
