impose

To officially introduce a rule, tax, punishment, or limit that people must accept.

• The court imposed a fine.
• The city imposed new parking restrictions.
• Several countries have imposed sanctions on the government.

How to use it: impose something on someone/something (The government imposed a tax on imported goods.)

Similar words: introduce, enforce, levy

Opposites: lift

Common phrases: impose a tax, impose restrictions, impose a fine

To make someone accept something they do not want.

• He tried to impose his own ideas.
• They imposed their decision on the whole group.
• Should parents impose their values on their children?

How to use it: impose something on someone (Do not impose your beliefs on your children.)

Similar words: force on

Common phrases: impose something on someone, impose your views

To put a duty, cost, or other burden on someone or something.

• The job imposes heavy demands.
• This decision imposed extra costs on families.
• Membership imposes an obligation to attend meetings.

How to use it: impose something on someone/something (The new duties impose extra work on staff.)

Similar words: place, put, lay

Common phrases: impose a burden, impose demands, impose an obligation

To expect help or attention from someone when it may cause them trouble.

• I hope I am not imposing.
• We did not want to impose on our hosts.
• Could we impose on you to help us move?

How to use it: impose on someone (I do not want to impose on you.); impose on someone to do something (Could I impose on you to drive me home?)

Similar words: intrude, take advantage of

Common phrases: impose on someone, impose on kindness