impose: Meaning and Definition of
im•pose
Pronunciation: (im-pōz'), [key]
— v., -posed, -pos•ing.
—v.t.
- to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc.: to impose taxes.
- to put or set by or as if by authority: to impose one's personal preference on others.
- to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others.
- to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively: He imposed his pretentious books on the public.
- to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing.
- to lay on or inflict, as a penalty.
- to put or place on something, or in a particular place.
- to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination.
—v.i.
- to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence.
- to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others: Are you sure my request doesn't impose?
- to presume, as upon patience or good nature.
- A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.
- to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
- to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
- to defraud; cheat; deceive:A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.