impose on

1. Force something on someone; also, levy a tax or duty. For example, Don't try to impose your ideas on me , or The British crown imposed a tariff on tea . [Late 1500s]

2. Force oneself on others; take unfair advantage of. For example, Am I imposing on you if I stay overnight? or He's always imposing on us, dropping in unexpectedly with numerous friends . [Early 1600s]

Example Sentences

What penalty would it impose on these infants, some of whom would be rendered literally stateless?

From Slate

“The significant financial obligations the bill would impose on alleged ‘responsible parties’ would likely worsen California’s affordability crisis for the state’s consumers and businesses as costs are passed down.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some senators are pushing to change a requirement that would require states to freeze and cut by half the tax they impose on Medicaid providers, slashing a key source of funding for rural hospitals.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is all very well to propose to people that they should eat a high-protein slurry to keep themselves well," he argues, "but… I don't think it is something we should impose on already marginalised groups of people."

From BBC

Ken White had a good observation: that critics “have an exaggerated expectation of Twitter alternatives, imposing norms of decorum, civility, productivity, etc. that they absolutely do not impose on Twitter.”

From Slate

Related Words

• afflict 
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• irritate 
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• perturb 
• plague 
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• torment 
• upset 
• vex