v., -posed, -pos·ing, -pos·es. v.tr.
- 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.
To take unfair advantage: You are always imposing on their generosity.
[Middle English imposen, from Old French imposer, alteration (influenced by poser, to put, place) of Latin impōnere, to place upon : in-, on; see in-2 + pōnere, to place.]
imposer im·pos'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
