impose
verb (used with object)
to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc..
was imposing
-
past progressiveof impose.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Carney, who last year rolled back most of the retaliatory tariffs levied by his predecessor, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said he was imposing the levies “reluctantly,” acknowledging that they will raise costs for Canadians.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
In addition, the State Department said that it was imposing visa restrictions on 65 individuals who are family members or close personal or business associates of CJNG-linked persons.
From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026
Baroness Hallett said she was imposing the restriction as she was satisfied there was a risk of prejudice to criminal proceedings if "sensitive evidence" was heard in public.
From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2025
Britain’s Conservative government said Monday that it was imposing sanctions on four Israeli settlers accused of committing human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2024
She wasn’t using a word-processing program of any kind—in fact, she was bypassing much of the operating system—and whatever formatting was imposing itself on the words, it wasn’t hers.
From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman
