Impose
/ɪmˈpəʊz/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo force or establish something (such as a rule, tax, or penalty) on someone or something, or to inflict something undesirable on someone.
/ɪmˈpəʊz/
To force something to be accepted or put in place.
The teacher imposed strict rules on the students.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is having a party, and your mom said you have to be home by 9. Your mom is 'imposing' a rule on you!
👶 For kids: To make someone do something, like when your parents say you have to clean your room!
More Examples
The company imposed a hiring freeze due to financial difficulties.
He didn't want to impose on their generosity by staying any longer.
How It's Used
"The government imposed a new tax on imported goods."
"She didn't want to impose her beliefs on others."
To force oneself on others; to take advantage of someone's willingness to help; to inconvenience or burden someone.
/ɪmˈpəʊz/
To force oneself or one's presence on others.
She worried about imposing on her friend's hospitality.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to hang out with your friends, but they're really busy. If you keep asking, you're 'imposing' on them. That's not very cool!
👶 For kids: To make someone have to do something even if they don't want to.
More Examples
We don't want to impose on your time.
I hate to impose, but could you give me a ride?
How It's Used
"I didn't want to impose on their time."
To force someone to accept a belief or a certain way of thinking, or to force one's will upon someone.
/ɪmˈpəʊz/
To make someone accept a belief or feeling.
He tried to impose his political views on the discussion.
💡 Simply: Imagine you try to make your friend believe that ice cream is the ONLY good dessert, even if they don't agree. That's trying to 'impose' your opinion!
👶 For kids: To make someone believe something even if they don't want to.
More Examples
She felt he was trying to impose his authority on her.
The dictator imposed his will on the country.
How It's Used
"He tried to impose his will on the others."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
impose oneself on
To intrude or force oneself or one's company on someone, often when not wanted.
"He didn't want to impose himself on them during their vacation."
Impose a penalty
To punish someone or something with a payment or consequence.
"The judge imposed a hefty penalty on the company for breaking safety regulations."
From Latin *imponere* ('to place upon, lay on'), from *in-* ('in, on') + *ponere* ('to put, place').
The word 'impose' has been used since the late 14th century, initially with the meaning of 'to place or put something on'. Its connotations of forcing, burdening, and intruding have developed over time.
Memory tip
Imagine a heavy statue being placed (imposed) on someone, symbolizing a burden.
Word Origin
"to place upon"