A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A surcharge is an additional amount of money charged on top of a tax, fee, or cost. It may be added because the original amount was not paid on time or as a penalty for a mistake or violation.

For example, if you don't pay your credit card bill on time, you may be charged a surcharge on top of the amount you owe. This is a penalty for not paying on time. Another example is when you buy a plane ticket and there is a fuel surcharge added to the cost. This is an additional fee to cover the cost of fuel.

In legal terms, a surcharge can also refer to a court order for a fiduciary (someone who manages money for someone else) to pay extra money to repair damages caused by a breach of their duties. For instance, if a trustee mismanages a trust and causes financial harm to the beneficiaries, the court may order them to pay a surcharge to make up for the losses.

These examples illustrate how a surcharge is an extra charge added to an existing cost or fee. It can be a penalty for not paying on time or a way to cover additional expenses. In legal terms, it can also be a way to hold someone accountable for their actions and make things right for those who were harmed.