impose

verb

im·​pose im-ˈpōz How to pronounce impose (audio)
imposed; imposing

transitive verb

1
a
: to establish or apply by authority
impose a tax
impose new restrictions
impose penalties
b
: to establish or bring about as if by force
those limits imposed by our own inadequaciesC. H. Plimpton
2
: to force into the company or on the attention of another
impose oneself on others
3
a
: place, set
b
: to arrange (type, pages, etc.) in the proper order for printing
4
: pass off
impose fake antiques on the public

intransitive verb

: to take unwarranted advantage of something
imposed on his good nature
imposer noun

Did you know?

The Latin imposui meant "put upon", and that meaning carried over into English in impose. A CEO may impose a new manager on one of the company's plants. A state may impose new taxes on luxury items or cigarettes, and the federal government sometimes imposes trade restrictions on another country to punish it. A polite apology might begin with "I hope I'm not imposing on you" (that is, "forcing my presence on you"). And a self-imposed deadline is one that you decide to hold yourself to.

Examples of impose in a Sentence

The judge imposed a life sentence. I needed to break free from the limits imposed by my own fear of failure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rhee, who was president for 12 years, would impose it again in 1952. Chandelis Duster, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 The series, which was still being shot at the time of his death, became the definitive account of his life, his struggles and the wounds that a system charged with protecting the public had imposed upon an innocent man. Jelani Cobb, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024 Facing political stonewalling and declining popularity, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to impose martial law this week – and failed spectacularly. Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Dec. 2024 When has martial law been declared in the US? Martial law has been imposed in the U.S. during times of war, natural disaster and unrest. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impose 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French imposer, from Latin imponere, literally, to put upon (perfect indicative imposui), from in- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impose was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near impose

Cite this Entry

“Impose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impose. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

impose

verb
im·​pose im-ˈpōz How to pronounce impose (audio)
imposed; imposing
1
a
: to establish or apply as a charge or penalty
impose a fine
impose a tax
b
: to force somebody to accept or put up with
impose one's will on another
2
: to take unfair advantage
impose on a friend's good nature
imposer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on impose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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