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

Derived Forms

• subimposed
  adjective
• well-imposed
  adjective
• unimposed
  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

Measures have been imposed by the regulators to try and curb excessive volatility, and they were triggered both on the way down Monday and then again on the way back up again Tuesday.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The Bank of Korea and the Financial Supervisory Service will conduct inspections, with strict measures to be imposed if warranted, according to a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Past screwworm outbreaks imposed major rancher losses beyond cattle deaths, including surveillance and treatment costs.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

UniCredit last year pursued a takeover of BPM but ended up dropping it after the target rebuffed its approaches and the Italian government imposed conditions on a deal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

If sanctions are imposed, the goat will fall.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

• prescribed
• required
• sanctioned