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

The military has imposed curfews, stepped up patrols and reinforced checkpoints across the country.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

Washington imposed the restrictions after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a passage where a fifth of the world’s oil once transited.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

He imposed a "Zambianisation" policy, which saw white executives in key industries replaced with black ones, and rallied behind groups fighting for independence and the end of white-minority rule in neighbouring countries.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Also, it assumes that consumers benefit from these “upgrades” in the first place, even in cases where the product evolution is imposed.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

The differing availability of raw materials imposed an obvious constraint on material culture.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• prescribed
• required
• sanctioned