Impose

Impose is a transitive verb meaning to force something to be accepted or to place a burden, obligation, or restriction on someone or something by authority. It can refer to imposing rules, taxes, penalties, or other requirements, as well as to placing a burden on a person or group. In everyday usage, governments and organizations commonly impose policies or charges, and individuals may impose on others by demanding compliance or by taking up their time.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin imponere, “to put upon,” from in- “upon” + ponere “to place.” The noun imposition denotes the act of imposing or something imposed; an imposer is the person or entity that imposes.

Usage notes: Impose is typically used with a direct object, as in “to impose a tax,” “to impose a restriction,” or “to impose penalties.” It can also be followed by on or upon to indicate burdening a person, as in “to impose on someone’s time” or “to impose upon someone’s hospitality.” In formal or policy contexts, impose often conveys a sense of authority and compulsion, whereas in everyday language it can carry a sense of burden or intrusion.

Related forms: Imposition (noun) and imposer (the one who imposes). A related sense arises in publishing and printing, where imposition refers to the arrangement of pages on a printer’s sheet, though this is a distinct technical use from the general verb sense.