impose

[ im-pohz ]
/ ɪmˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object), im·posed, im·pos·ing.

verb (used without object), im·posed, im·pos·ing.

Verb Phrases

impose on/upon,
  1. to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
  2. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
  3. to defraud; cheat; deceive: A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.

Origin of impose

1475–85; late Middle English < Middle French imposer, equivalent to im- im-1 + poser to pose1; see also pose2

OTHER WORDS FROM impose

British Dictionary definitions for impose on

impose
/ (ɪmˈpəʊz) /

verb (usually foll by on or upon)

(tr) to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforce to impose a tax on the people
to force (oneself, one's presence, etc) on another or others; obtrude
(intr) to take advantage, as of a person or quality to impose on someone's kindness
(tr) printing to arrange pages so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order
(tr) to pass off deceptively; foist to impose a hoax on someone
(tr) (of a bishop or priest) to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments

Derived forms of impose

imposable, adjective imposer, noun

Word Origin for impose

C15: from Old French imposer, from Latin impōnere to place upon, from pōnere to place, set

Idioms and Phrases with impose on

impose on

1

Force something on someone; also, levy a tax or duty. For example, Don't try to impose your ideas on me, or The British crown imposed a tariff on tea. [Late 1500s]

2

Force oneself on others; take unfair advantage of. For example, Am I imposing on you if I stay overnight? or He's always imposing on us, dropping in unexpectedly with numerous friends. [Early 1600s]