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impose on

 - 3 dictionary results

im⋅pose

  [im-pohz] verb, -posed, -pos⋅ing.
Use impose on in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc.: to impose taxes.
2. to put or set by or as if by authority: to impose one's personal preference on others.
3. to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others.
4. to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively: He imposed his pretentious books on the public.
5. Printing. to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing.
6. to lay on or inflict, as a penalty.
7. Archaic. to put or place on something, or in a particular place.
8. Obsolete. to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination.
–verb (used without object)
9. to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence.
10. to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others: Are you sure my request doesn't impose?
11. to presume, as upon patience or good nature.
—Verb phrase
12. impose on or upon,
a. to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
b. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
c. to defraud; cheat; deceive: A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.
Origin:
1475–85; late ME < MF imposer, equiv. to im- im- 1 + poser to pose 1 ; see also pose 2

Related forms:
im⋅pos⋅a⋅ble, adjective
im⋅pos⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
3. force, foist.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To impose on
Word Origin & History

impose 
1484, "to lay (a crime, etc.) to the account of," from M.Fr. imposer, from in- "into" + poser "put, place" (see pose). Sense of "to lay on as a burden" first recorded 1581.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

impose on

  1. Force something on someone; also, levy a tax or duty. For example, Don't try to impose your ideas on me, or The British crown imposed a tariff on tea. [Late 1500s]

  2. Force oneself on others; take unfair advantage of. For example, Am I imposing on you if I stay overnight? or He's always imposing on us, dropping in unexpectedly with numerous friends. [Early 1600s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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