Pronunciation

/ɪmˈpəʊz/

Definitions

• Verb: (impose on/upon) To establish or set something as a requirement, rule, or condition, often with authority or force. For example: “The government imposed new taxes on imported goods.”

  • To force something unwelcome or burdensome onto someone else. Example: “She didn’t want to impose her opinions on others.”
  • To present oneself as a visitor or guest somewhere uninvited or without prior notice, often creating inconvenience. Example: “They decided not to impose on their friends during their vacation.”

• Noun: (the imposition) The act of imposing something, especially an unwanted burden or restriction. Example: “The new regulations have been met with widespread resentment over their imposition.”

Phrases

• “To impose one’s will”: To force or coerce others to accept one’s own wishes or decisions.
• “To be imposed upon”: To be taken advantage of or treated unfairly by having something undesired forced upon one.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The school has imposed strict rules about the use of mobile phones during class hours.”
• “Realizing it was late, they didn’t want to impose on their hosts by arriving unannounced.”
• Noun: “The sudden imposition of curfews disrupted many people’s daily routines.”

Synonyms

• Enforce
• Impart
• Inflict
• Force
• Oblige
• Dictate
• Implant
• Foist (in the sense of forcing something unwelcome)
• Intrude (when referring to visiting uninvited)