impose
ihm-POHZ
Impose (verb) means to officially establish or enforce a rule, tax, or penalty. Example: “The council plans to impose a limit on parking in the town centre.”
verb
1
To officially establish or enforce a rule, tax, or penalty.
"The council plans to impose a limit on parking in the town centre."
"The government imposed new tariffs on imported steel."
"The court imposed a heavy fine on the company."
2
To force something onto someone unwelcome or without their consent.
"Parents shouldn't impose their own career dreams on their children."
"It is unfair to impose extra work on a team that is already stretched."
"He tried to impose his opinions on everyone at the table."
3
(often "impose on/upon") To take unfair advantage of someone's time, kindness, or hospitality.
"She felt she was imposing on her friends by staying for a whole week."
"Please tell me if I'm imposing upon your free time."
"I don't want to impose on you, but could I stay one more night?"
How to use impose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially set a rule or burden, or to intrude on someone unfairly.
Common pairings
impose a tax
impose restrictions
impose on someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- imposes
- Third person singular
- imposes
- Past tense
- imposed
- Archaic forms
- imposest, imposeth, imposedst
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The council plans to _____ a limit on parking in the town centre.
Etymology
From Old French imposer, modelled on Latin imponere ("to place upon"), from in- + pono ("to place").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for impose
See all rhymes for impose →Frequently asked questions
What does “impose” mean?
The word “impose” means to officially establish or enforce a rule, tax, or penalty. In plain terms, to officially set a rule or burden, or to intrude on someone unfairly.
How do you pronounce “impose”?
“Impose” is pronounced ihm-POHZ (/ɪmˈpoʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “impose” in a sentence?
Here is “impose” used in a sentence: “The government imposed new tariffs on imported steel.”
What is another word for “impose”?
Words with a similar meaning to “impose” include enjoin, force, inflict and lay.
What part of speech is “impose”?
“Impose” is a verb.
Where does the word “impose” come from?
The word “impose” comes from Latin. From Old French imposer, modelled on Latin imponere ("to place upon"), from in- + pono ("to place").
Is “impose” a common word?
“Impose” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “impose” have?
“Impose” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially establish or enforce a rule, tax, or penalty.
What is the difference between impose and enforce?
To impose is to introduce or establish something such as a rule, tax, or penalty and require people to accept it, while to enforce is to make sure an existing rule is obeyed. You impose a rule when you create it and enforce it when you compel people to follow it.
What preposition is used with impose?
Impose typically takes "on" or "upon," as in impose a tax on goods, impose a rule on a group, or impose on someone's hospitality. The preposition connects the thing imposed to the person or thing it affects.
What is the difference between impose and dictate?
Both involve forcing something on others, but impose often refers to establishing rules, taxes, or burdens, while dictate stresses giving orders that must be obeyed, sometimes in an authoritarian way. Dictate emphasises commanding, whereas impose emphasises establishing or forcing acceptance.
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