impose Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb compel to behave in a certain way
enforce.
- Social relations impose courtesy
verb impose something unpleasant
bring down; visit; inflict.
- The principal visited his rage on the students
verb impose and collect
levy.
- levy a fine

F. imposer; pref. im- in + poser to place. See Pose, v. t.

imperfect & past participle Imposed ; present participle & verbal noun Imposing

To lay on; to set or place; to put; to deposit.
Cakes of salt and barley [she] did impose Within a wicker basket. Chapman.
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.
What fates impose, that men must needs abide. Shak.

Death is the penalty imposed. Milton.

Thou on the deep imposest nobler laws. Waller.
(Eccl.) To lay on, as the hands, in the religious rites of confirmation and ordination.
(Print.) 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.