Definition Definition

impose - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'impose' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Impose [ n.]
- A command; injunction.
2 . Impose [ v. i.]
- To practice trick or deception.
3 . Impose [ v. t.]
- To lay on; to set or place; to put; to deposit.
- To lay as a charge, burden, tax, duty, obligation, command, penalty, etc.; to enjoin; to levy; to inflict; as, to impose a toll or tribute.
- To lay on, as the hands, in the religious rites of confirmation and ordination.
- To arrange in proper order on a table of stone or metal and lock up in a chase for printing; -- said of columns or pages of type, forms, etc.

Meaning of 'impose' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . impose [ v]
Meaning (1):
- compel to behave in a certain way
Example in sentence:
  • duty constrains one to act often contrary to one's desires or inclinations;
  • Social relations impose courtesy
Meaning (2):
- impose and collect
Example in sentence:
  • levy a fine
Meaning (3):
- impose something unpleasant
Example in sentence:
  • The principal visited his rage on the students