impose
word
/ˌɪmˈpoʊz/
im-POHZ
/ɪmpˈəʊz/
im-POHZ
Definition
To force something, such as a rule, decision, or belief, on someone else; or to require something officially, like a tax or restriction.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or neutral register; commonly used for laws, rules, taxes, or unwelcome obligations ('impose a tax', 'impose restrictions'). Often suggests something unwanted or externally enforced. Not used for giving gentle suggestions.
Spanish: imponerPortuguese (BR): imporPortuguese (PT): imporChinese (Simplified): 强加 - 征收Chinese (Traditional): 強加 - 徵收Hindi: थोपनाArabic: يفرضBengali: আরোপ করা - চাপিয়ে দেওয়াRussian: навязывать - вводить (официально)Japanese: 課す - 課する - 押しつけるVietnamese: áp đặt - ban hànhKorean: 부과하다 - 강요하다Turkish: zorlamak - uygulamaya koymakUrdu: مسلط کرنا - عائد کرناIndonesian: memberlakukan - memaksakan
Example Sentences
The government will impose new taxes next year.
basic
Don’t impose your beliefs on others.
basic
The school imposed a strict dress code.
basic
I don’t want to impose, but could I stay at your place tonight?
natural
New rules were imposed suddenly without warning.
natural
He tends to impose his opinion in every discussion.
natural