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

Our investigation raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on Russia since the war in Ukraine began.

From BBC

These advocates called for imposing further restrictions on demolition, which the Planning Department said could significantly reduce new housing construction, including units that are mandated to be affordable to low-income households.

From Los Angeles Times

If he goes ahead and introduces tariffs - a tax imposed by one country on the goods and services imported from another - it could lead to a rise in prices, including in the UK, economists say.

From BBC

One other thing about imposing work requirements on Medicaid: It’s illegal.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump campaigned in large part on the idea that cities have become chaotic and unruly and that he could impose more order by cracking down on homeless encampments and open drug use.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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