Meaning & use

impose

verb·Academic

To officially establish a rule, tax, or penalty that must be obeyed, or to force something on someone unwelcome.

See it in a sentence

The government imposed a curfew after the storm caused widespread damage.

She didn't want to impose on her neighbors by asking for another favor.

A note on using this word

Impose often takes 'on' when describing something unwanted forced upon a person, as in 'impose on someone's time'.

Words with a similar meaning

enforcelevyinflict

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

removewaive

Make it your own

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