impose

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/ɪmˈpoʊz/
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To place an official requirement on someone, force an idea or will onto others, or inconvenience someone by asking too much.
Practice using impose in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Sanctions were imposed after the treaty was broken.
  • She felt the guests had imposed themselves on her weekend.
  • The new software imposes a rigid workflow on the team.
  • Calling so late would impose on the family.
  • A late fee is imposed when the payment misses the deadline.

Similar words

enforce
mandate
set
order
institute
push
foist
enforce
intrude
force

Meanings

Set an official burden or rule

verb
law
neutral
To make a rule, tax, fine, restriction, duty, or other requirement apply to someone by authority.

Examples

  • The government imposed new import restrictions overnight.
  • The judge imposed a heavy fine on the company.
  • The school imposes a uniform policy on all students.
  • Sanctions were imposed after the treaty was broken.
  • The contract imposes strict duties on both parties.
  • A late fee is imposed when the payment misses the deadline.

Similar words

levy
enforce
apply
set
mandate
order
require
institute

Force ideas or control onto others

verb
social
neutral
To make other people accept a will, view, style, or way of doing things, especially when they have not chosen it.

Examples

  • He tried to impose his opinion on the whole group.
  • The director imposed her style on every scene.
  • Parents should not impose their ambitions on their children.
  • The new software imposes a rigid workflow on the team.
  • She felt the guests had imposed themselves on her weekend.
  • The speaker imposed his agenda on a meeting meant for questions.

Similar words

force
press
inflict
foist
dictate
push
enforce

Inconvenience someone by asking too much

verb
everyday
neutral
To trouble someone, take too much of their time or kindness, or make oneself an unwelcome burden.

Examples

  • I hope I am not imposing by asking for another favor.
  • They stayed for a week and began to impose on their hosts.
  • Please tell me if this visit would impose on your schedule.
  • He did not want to impose on her kindness again.
  • The extra paperwork imposes on staff who are already busy.
  • Calling so late would impose on the family.

Similar words

intrude
burden
inconvenience
trouble
presume
encroach

Etymology

From Old French imposer, from Latin imponere, meaning to place upon.

FAQ

What does impose mean?

impose means to place a rule, burden, idea, or inconvenience on someone, often through authority or pressure.

What does impose on someone mean?

impose on someone means to inconvenience them, take too much of their time or kindness, or ask more than is comfortable.

Is impose always official?

No. impose can describe official rules and taxes, but it can also describe social pressure or an inconvenient request.

Which preposition follows impose?

The usual pattern is impose something on someone, as in impose a fine on the company.

What are common synonyms of impose?

Common synonyms include levy, enforce, apply, force, inflict, burden, and inconvenience.

What is the origin of impose?

impose comes from Old French imposer and Latin imponere, meaning to place upon.

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