Impose Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of IMPOSE

1

[+ object]

a

:

to cause (something, such as a tax, fine, rule, or punishment) to affect someone or something by using your authority

• The judge imposed a life sentence.

— usually + on or upon

• The judge imposed a life sentence on the defendant.
• impose [=_levy_] a tax on liquor
• A curfew has been imposed upon the city's youth.

b

:

to establish or create (something unwanted) in a forceful or harmful way

• I needed to break free from the limits imposed by my own fear of failure.

2

[+ object]

:

to force someone to accept (something or yourself)

— + on or upon

• He imposed his will on his subjects. [=he forced his subjects to do what he wanted them to do]
• He imposes his personal beliefs on his employees.
• I don't like having to impose myself on other people.

3

[no object]

:

to ask for or expect more than is fair or reasonable

• She asked if I wanted a ride, but I declined. I didn't want to impose. [=I didn't want to cause trouble or inconvenience for her]

— often + on or upon

• I didn't want to impose on her. = I didn't want to impose on her kindness.
• You shouldn't impose on/upon your friend's good nature.