impose

present (v1)

impose

past (v2)

imposed

past participle (v3)

imposed

present participle

imposing

3rd person singular

imposes

1. 1.To apply, enforce, or establish (something, often regarded as burdensome as a restriction or tax: see verb sense 1.2.2) with authority.

   • Sanctions were imposed on the country that had made an unprovoked attack on its neighbour.
   • New Jersey was reeling on Wednesday from the impact of Hurricane Sandy, […] Localities across New Jersey imposed curfews to prevent looting.

2. 2.To place or put (something chiefly immaterial, especially something regarded as burdensome as a duty, an encumbrance, a penalty, etc.) on another thing or on someone; to inflict, to repose; also, to place or put (on someone a chiefly immaterial thing, especially something regarded as burdensome).

   • Master should measure strength with master, then, / Before the servant be imposed a task.
   • Norwich soon began imposing themselves on that patched-up defence with [Grant] Holt having their best early chance, only to see it blocked by [Danny] Simpson.
   • Detailed records are kept of the strains imposed on the bridge by the violent gales that frequently sweep the firth, and a self-recording wind gauge is fixed on the top of the tower.

3. 3.To force or put (a thing) on someone or something by deceit or stealth; to foist, to obtrude.

4. 4.To subject (a student) to imposition (“a task inflicted as punishment”).

Overall

Uncommon· #2584

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Rare

General reading & writing

Uncommon

Academic

Rare

Literature

Rare

Synonyms

• enforce