imposed

American  

[im-pohzd] / ɪmˈpoʊzd /

adjective

1. laid on by someone, especially an authority, as something to be endured, obeyed, paid, etc..

   Offenders receive swiftly imposed but meaningful community service assignments, which the court monitors daily for compliance.

2. thrust or forced upon someone else, as one’s tastes, ideas, company, etc..

   I pray for my children to grow confidently into who they have been created to be, free from the pressure of imposed reputation and expectation.

3. created or established forcibly or artificially rather than developing naturally.

   All living systems organize and reorganize themselves into adaptive patterns and structures without any externally imposed plan or direction.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of impose.

Other Word Forms

• subimposed adjective
• unimposed adjective
• well-imposed adjective

Etymology

Origin of imposed

impose ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

It is still very difficult to contact people inside Iran amid the internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities, which has now entered day 35.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

They are mostly imposed by the United States.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Mathilde Mukantabana, told State Department officials that American financial penalties imposed on the Rwandan Defense Forces will hinder delivery of supplies to troops in the field, making it difficult for them to continue to fight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Colombo has raised fuel prices three times this month, increasing them by more than a third, and has imposed a four-day working week in a bid to save energy.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Snape had imposed his personality upon the room already; it was gloomier than usual, as curtains had been drawn over the windows, and was lit by candlelight.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• prescribed
• required
• sanctioned