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

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

But legal experts say they expect Trump to fight imposition of a sentence regardless.

From Salon

One source familiar with the discussions told The New York Times that those plans include the imposition of term limits and an enforceable code of ethics on the judges.

From Salon

Related Words

• intrusion