impose
impose Lexical Profile
impose Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To establish or apply something (such as a tax, fine, law, or restriction) as compulsory by authority.
"The city council voted to impose a temporary ban on outdoor watering during the drought."
To force someone to accept or endure something unwelcome, burdensome, or unfamiliar (such as one's views or will).
"A good mentor guides students thoughtfully rather than trying to impose personal opinions on them."
To take unfair advantage of someone's hospitality, generosity, or time by making unreasonable demands (often followed by 'on' or 'upon').
"We would love to stay for dinner, but we really do not want to impose on your family at the last minute."
To arrange pages of type or plates in the proper order on a press sheet so that they read consecutively after printing and folding (in printing).
"The technician carefully imposed the sixteen pages onto the layout before sending the job to the printing press."
• Rhymes for impose
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French 'imposer', which was formed from the Latin prefix 'in-' (meaning 'into' or 'upon') and Old French 'poser' (meaning 'to put' or 'to place'), influenced by the Latin verb 'imponere' ('to place upon').