verb

impose

ihm-POHZ

verb

To officially establish or enforce a rule, tax, or penalty.

"The government imposed new tariffs on imported steel."

"The court imposed a heavy fine on the company."

To force something onto someone unwelcome or without their consent.

"He tried to impose his opinions on everyone at the table."

(often "impose on/upon") To take unfair advantage of someone's time, kindness, or hospitality.

"I don't want to impose on you, but could I stay one more night?"

How to Use Impose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo officially set a rule or burden, or to intrude on someone unfairly.

Common pairings

impose a tax impose restrictions impose on someone

Word Forms

imposed past tense, impose plural, imposed plural, imposes plural, imposes singular, impose singular, imposed singular, imposest singular, imposeth singular, imposedst singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The government _____ new tariffs on imported steel.

Etymology

From Old French imposer, modelled on Latin imponere ("to place upon"), from in- + pono ("to place").

Synonyms

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enjoin force inflict lay

Related Words

rape force lay substance power secular agency appoint

Rhymes for impose

rose nose lose dose pose Jose hose Bose close moose whose goose

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