impose
verb (used with object)
to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc..
were 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.
Russian authorities denied Tuesday that they were imposing anti-plague measures after a laboratory technician reportedly died of the disease, and reacted to Washington's offer of assistance by proposing to help battle US infectious diseases.
From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026
These visitors were imposing their own categories on another culture and missing other forms of meaning and allusion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
Last year, the Department for Education in England said most schools were imposing restrictions on smartphone use, as it released non-binding guidance encouraging head teachers to do so.
From BBC ● Feb. 4, 2025
Authorities in Kharkiv region said they were imposing a mandatory evacuation of families from 10 localities in the area.
From Reuters ● Oct. 25, 2023
They were imposing, and looked well on paper, but he knew that when completed the buildings would be very disappointing in various ways.
From His Heart's Queen by Mrs. Georgie Sheldon
