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

They said they “strongly oppose this radical green speech mandate that California seeks to impose on companies.”

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She is worried about the stresses such winds would impose on the main columns.

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Opened in 1914, the canal reminds us that the linkages we impose on the landscape are not neutral or necessarily equitable but entail value judgments as well as winners and losers.

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A federal appeals court struck down the rule in July, finding that the FTC failed to properly consider the costs it would impose on businesses.

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The CMA plans to launch a consultation this year to determine the rules to impose on the US tech giant.

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Related Words

• afflict 
• agitate 
• annoy 
• burden 
• concern 
• disconcert 
• disturb 
• irk 
• irritate 
• perplex 
• perturb 
• plague 
• sadden 
• strain 
• torment 
• upset 
• vex