impose

[ im-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, im·posed, im·pos·ing.

1. to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc.:

   to impose taxes.

2. to put or set by or as if by authority:

   to impose one's personal preference on others.

3. to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others.

   Synonyms: foist, force

4. to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively:

   He imposed his pretentious books on the public.

5. Printing. to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing.
6. to lay on or inflict, as a penalty.
7. Archaic. to put or place on something, or in a particular place.
8. Obsolete. to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination.

verb (used without object)

, im·posed, im·pos·ing.

1. to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence.
2. to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others:

   Are you sure my request doesn't impose?

3. to presume, as upon patience or good nature.

verb phrase

1. 1. to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
   2. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
   3. to defraud; cheat; deceive:

      A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.

impose

/ ɪmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. tr to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforce

   to impose a tax on the people

2. to force (oneself, one's presence, etc) on another or others; obtrude
3. intr to take advantage, as of a person or quality

   to impose on someone's kindness

4. tr printing to arrange pages so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order
5. tr to pass off deceptively; foist

   to impose a hoax on someone

6. tr (of a bishop or priest) to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments

Derived Forms

• imˈposer, noun
• imˈposable, adjective

Other Words From

• im·pos·a·ble adjective
• im·pos·er noun
• o·ver·im·pose verb (used with object) overimposed overimposing
• pre·im·pose verb (used with object) preimposed preimposing
• re·im·pose verb reimposed reimposing

Word History and Origins

Origin of impose¹

First recorded in 1475–85; late Middle English, from Middle French imposer, equivalent to im- im- ¹ + poser “to stop, cease”; pose ¹; pose ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of impose¹

C15: from Old French imposer, from Latin impōnere to place upon, from pōnere to place, set

Example Sentences

But following massive opposition to the tax hikes imposed by his government, the 57-year-old gained a new nickname: "Zakayo" - which is Swahili for Zacchaeus, the wealthy and unpopular Jericho tax collector featured in the Bible.

From BBC

As part of their proposed penalties, Justice Department officials also suggested the judge impose restrictions on Android, Google’s mobile operating system, to prevent it from favoring Google products.

From Los Angeles Times

Many are concerned that freeholders or their managing agents are exploiting the current system and imposing unreasonable costs.

From BBC

Homeowners have told the BBC how they have been left thousands of pounds a year worse off because of charges imposed by a company that owns hundreds of freeholds across England and Wales.

From BBC

The stations believe they are at a disadvantage in having to following regulations not imposed on their digital competitors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appoint
• charge
• demand
• enforce
• establish
• foist
• force
• inflict
• institute
• introduce
• lay down
• levy
• order
• place
• promulgate
• put
• require