imposition

[ im-puh-zish-uhn ]

noun

1. the laying on of something as a burden or obligation.
2. something imposed, as a burden or duty; an unusual or extraordinarily burdensome requirement or task.
3. the act of imposing imposing by or as if by authority.
4. an instance of imposing imposing upon a person:

   He did the favor but considered the request an imposition.

5. the act of imposing imposing fraudulently or deceptively on others; imposture.
6. the ceremonial laying on of hands, as in confirmation or ordination.
7. Printing. the arrangement of page plates in proper order on a press for printing a signature.
8. the act of putting, placing, or laying on.

imposition

/ ˌɪmpəˈzɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of imposing
2. something that is imposed unfairly on someone
3. (in Britain) a task set as a school punishment
4. the arrangement of pages for printing so that the finished work will have its pages in the correct order

Other Words From

• nonim·po·sition noun
• preim·po·sition noun
• reim·po·sition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imposition¹

1325–75; Middle English imposicioun < Late Latin impositiōn- (stem of impositiō ), equivalent to imposit ( us ) past participle of impōnere to place upon, impose ( im- im- ¹ + posi-, variant stem of pōnere to put + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Goods trade, especially in food and farm exports, has been especially hit by the imposition of new trade barriers.

From BBC

A Derby school is launching a court challenge against the government's imposition of VAT on fees.

From BBC

The denial of insurance to people with preexisting conditions, or the imposition of premium surcharges to discourage them from applying, was eliminated so decisively by the ACA that many Americans have experienced “amnesia” about it, as Larry Levitt of KFF has termed the condition.

From Los Angeles Times

Along with the move to require proof of citizenship to vote — which many Americans don't have readily available — these efforts to curb voter fraud serve in "justifying the imposition, as it did historically, of restrictive voter registration procedures," Hayduk said.

From Salon

A private school in Staffordshire has announced it will close due to “financial challenges”, ahead of the imposition of VAT on its fees.

From BBC

Related Words

• intrusion