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.

---

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

However, Beijing imposed a national security law on the former British colony in 2020 after huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests the year before.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Since negotiations broke down in early April, the U.S. has imposed a blockade.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

The Met has imposed various conditions on Saturday's two rallies, over their routes and timings, in a bid to keep rival attendees apart.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Having reported the incident to Cardiff University, he said he expected the students involved to be removed but they are still at the university, and the institution has refused to reveal what sanctions were imposed.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Turner ran to the shore every day now, the forbidden having been silently lifted—or at least not imposed.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt

Related Words

• prescribed
• required
• sanctioned