Showing results for "imposed"

• past participle of impose.
• past tense form of impose.

imposed

American  

[im-pohzd] / ɪmˈpoʊzd /

adjective

1. laid on by someone, especially an authority, as something to be endured, obeyed, paid, etc..

   Offenders receive swiftly imposed but meaningful community service assignments, which the court monitors daily for compliance.

2. thrust or forced upon someone else, as one’s tastes, ideas, company, etc..

   I pray for my children to grow confidently into who they have been created to be, free from the pressure of imposed reputation and expectation.

3. created or established forcibly or artificially rather than developing naturally.

   All living systems organize and reorganize themselves into adaptive patterns and structures without any externally imposed plan or direction.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of impose.

Other Word Forms

• subimposed
  adjective
• unimposed
  adjective
• well-imposed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of imposed

impose ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that is imposed is usually unwelcome and unpleasant and is expected to be endured — like higher taxes or unwelcome guests. The adjective imposed comes from the Latin imponere, "to place upon, to inflict or deceive." An imposed tax is one placed upon you by law. The English word comes by way of the Middle French verb imposer, meaning "to lay a burden." So if you are imposed upon by an unwanted guest, you'll have to endure an imposed visit.

Example Sentences

As investigations continue, city officials are expected to review safety protocols and determine whether additional restrictions will be imposed before operations resume.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026

CMS also imposed a six-month nationwide freeze External link on new Medicare enrollments for hospices and home health agencies starting mid-May.

From Barron's • Jun. 20, 2026

For 30 days, the president is barred from softening or waiving the statutory sanctions Congress has imposed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

The district attorney’s office did not disclose what sentences, if any, were imposed on Alvarez for his prior convictions.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

Without a doubt, princes become great when they overcome difficulties and obstacles imposed upon them.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Related Words

• prescribed
• required
• sanctioned