Impose: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：force upon (impose)

impose 🔊

/ɪmˈpəʊz/

To force someone to accept something, like a rule, tax, or belief.

Teacher imposing new classroom rules on students

force upon 🔊

➕

/fɔːrs əˈpɒn/

To force someone to accept something, typically a rule, tax, or belief, often against their will.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'imponere' (im- 'into' + ponere 'to place'), meaning to put or force something onto someone.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'Im-pose!' as in 'I'm posing a rule on you' — imagine a boss pointing a finger and saying 'I'm going to impose this deadline.'

📖 Example

To protect the environment, the city council decided to impose a ban on single-use plastics in all restaurants. 🔊 To protect the environment, the city council decided to impose a ban on single-use plastics in all restaurants.

🔗 Collocations

impose a tax – To levy or enforce a tax on goods or services

impose a fine – To force someone to pay a penalty for an offense

impose sanctions – To apply restrictive measures against a country or entity

🔄 Synonyms

enforce (v.) – To compel observance of a law, rule, or obligation

inflict (v.) – To cause something unpleasant to be suffered by someone

levy (v.) – To impose or collect a tax, fee, or fine

🚫 Antonyms

remove (v.) – To take away or eliminate a rule, tax, or restriction

lift (v.) – To officially end a restriction or ban

exempt (v.) – To free someone from an obligation or penalty

🌱 Derivatives

imposition (n.) – The act of imposing something, e.g., a tax or burden

imposer (n.) – A person who imposes something on others

imposing (adj.) – Impressive in appearance or manner, often suggesting authority

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English via Old French 'imposer' in the 16th century, later shifting from physical placement to legal and financial contexts like imposing taxes or rules.