impose
Americanverb (used with object)
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to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc..
to impose taxes.
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to put or set by or as if by authority.
to impose one's personal preference on others.
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to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others.
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to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively.
He imposed his pretentious books on the public.
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Printing. to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing.
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to lay on or inflict, as a penalty.
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Archaic. to put or place on something, or in a particular place.
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Obsolete. to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination.
verb (used without object)
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to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence.
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to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others.
Are you sure my request doesn't impose?
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to presume, as upon patience or good nature.
verb phrase
verb
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(tr) to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforce
to impose a tax on the people
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to force (oneself, one's presence, etc) on another or others; obtrude
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(intr) to take advantage, as of a person or quality
to impose on someone's kindness
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(tr) printing to arrange pages so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order
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(tr) to pass off deceptively; foist
to impose a hoax on someone
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(tr) (of a bishop or priest) to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of impose
First recorded in 1475–85; late Middle English, from Middle French imposer, equivalent to im- im- 1 + poser “to stop, cease”; pose 1; pose 2
Explanation
To impose means to force or inflict something on someone else. If you want to impose your musical taste on your parents, play your tunes all day at top volume. The verb impose emerged in the 1580s, meaning "to lay on as a burden," which is very similar to the modern meaning. Governments often impose taxes, legal restrictions, and other burdensome things on citizens, for example. But you should remember what Confucius once wisely said: "Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire."
Vocabulary lists containing impose
The Declaration of Independence
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List 2
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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
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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.
The Laboratory Field Services division in the state public health department issued a “Notice of Intent to Impose Sanctions” letter on Oct.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2021
Impose it on little ones, who will need a sense of guidance and leadership in this weird, disorienting time.
From Slate • Mar. 19, 2020
Television’s “science guy” Bill Nye has a suggestion for combating climate change: Impose a tax on cow flatulence.
From Washington Times • May 24, 2018
We love the layout and design of GoldFlakePaint, the monthly mixes from PORTALS, and Impose Magazine's unique features.
From The Guardian • Apr. 3, 2013
The odd Effects produced upon the sufferers by ye look or touch of the accused are things wherein ye Divels may as much Impose upon some Harmless people as by the Representacôn of their shapes.
From Salem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather A Reply by Upham, Charles Wentworth
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.
