impose on
Idioms-
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]
-
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But guardianship and conservatorship are among the most sweeping legal interventions courts may impose on adults.
From Slate • Mar. 12, 2026
“Our binding agreement with Netflix will offer superior value at greater levels of certainty, without the significant risks and costs Paramount’s offer would impose on our shareholders.”
From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026
The five-member Los Angeles City Ethics Commission is scheduled to make a determination on Wednesday, deciding both the number of violations Lee committed and any financial penalties to impose on him.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025
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.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025
“Yes, if I may impose on your hospitality a little longer. I’ll be off first thing in the morning, I promise.”
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
