Words / C1

im-POHZ/ɪmˈpəʊz/

To impose is to force a rule, tax, or burden onto people: impose a freeze, impose on someone’s time. Force is everyday; introduce can be neutral. Imposing is the adjective (impressive in size). Do not impose a suggestion that people may refuse — that is offer.

Meaning

To force a rule, tax, or burden on someone; also to take unfair advantage (impose on).

Examples

• “The board imposed a freeze without consulting the night staff.”
• “The board imposed a hiring freeze without asking the night rotas.”
• “To impose on a colleague is to take unfair advantage of their time; to impose a tax is official.”

Good to know

Force a rule/burden on people; also impose on (take advantage). Adjective: imposing (impressive). Everyday: force. Not a voluntary offer.

New