impose
/ɪmˈpoʊz/ verb B2- To apply, enforce, or establish (something, often regarded as burdensome as a restriction or tax: see verb sense 1.2.2) with authority. · Congress imposed new tariffs.· Sanctions were imposed on the country that had made an unprovoked attack on its neighbour.
- To place or put (something chiefly immaterial, especially something regarded as burdensome as a duty, an encumbrance, a penalty, etc.) on another thing or on someone; to inflict, to repose; also, to place or put (on someone a chiefly immaterial thing, especially something regarded as burdensome). · Social relations impose courtesy.
- To force or put (a thing) on someone or something by deceit or stealth; to foist, to obtrude.
- To affect authoritatively or forcefully; to influence strongly.
- To encroach or intrude, especially in a manner regarded as unfair or unwarranted; to presume, to take advantage of; also, to be a burden or inconvenience. · I don’t wish to impose upon you.
- To practise deceit or stealth; to cheat, to deceive, to trick.
Plural impose · He/she/it imposes · Past imposed · Past participle imposed · -ing form imposing
Verb forms
- Base form
- impose
- He/she/it
- imposes
- Past
- imposed
- Past participle
- imposed
- -ing form
- imposing
From the library
de Villefort—I intend sending him away tomorrow, for he eats so enormously, to make up for the fast imposed upon him by his terror in that house.
My friend, you impose a painful task on me.
“And do you know,” said Valentine, “what reason grandpapa gives for leaving this house.” Noirtier looked at Valentine to impose silence, but she did not notice him; her looks, her eyes, her smile, were all for Morrel.
I hope I shall gain Renée’s favor easily by obeying the first command she ever imposed on me.
Learn impose in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.