impose

The definition of impose is to go somewhere where you aren't welcome or to force beliefs or ideas on other people.

(verb)

An example of impose is when you show up unannounced at a wedding to which you weren't invited.
An example of impose is when you make other people sit and listen to your sermons and try forcefully to get them to believe in your religion.

See impose in Webster's New World College Dictionary

to place or set (a burden, tax, fine, etc. on or upon) as by authority
to force (oneself, one's presence or will, etc.) on another or others without right or invitation; obtrude
to pass off; palm off; foist, esp. by deception: to impose false cures on unsuspecting patients
to arrange (pages of type or plates) in a frame in the proper order of printing
Archaic to place; put; deposit
to lay (the hands) on, as in ordaining

Origin: Fr, altered by assoc. with poser (see pose) < L imponere, to place upon < in-, on + ponere: see position

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See impose in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb im·posed, im·pos·ing, im·pos·es

verb, transitive

To establish or apply as compulsory; levy: impose a tax.
To apply or make prevail by or as if by authority: impose a peace settlement. See Synonyms at dictate.
To obtrude or force (oneself, for example) on another or others.
Printing To arrange (type or plates) on an imposing stone.
To offer or circulate fraudulently; pass off: imposed a fraud on consumers.

verb, intransitive

To take unfair advantage: You are always imposing on their generosity.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English imposen

Origin: , from Old French imposer

Origin: , alteration (influenced by poser, to put, place)

Origin: of Latin impōnere, to place upon

Origin: : in-, on; see in-²

Origin: + pōnere, to place; see apo- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: