im·pose 
/ɪmˈpoʊz/ verb
im·pos·es; im·posed; im·pos·ing /ɪmˈpoʊz/ verb 1 [+ obj] a : to cause (something, such as a tax, fine, rule, or punishment) to affect someone or something by using your authority
▪ The judge imposed a life sentence. — usually + on or upon ▪ The judge imposed a life sentence on the defendant. ▪ impose [=levy] a tax on liquor ▪ A curfew has been imposed upon the city's youth.
b : to establish or create (something unwanted) in a forceful or harmful way
▪ I needed to break free from the limits imposed by my own fear of failure. 2 [+ obj] : to force someone to accept (something or yourself) — + on or upon ▪ He imposed his will on his subjects. [=he forced his subjects to do what he wanted them to do] ▪ He imposes his personal beliefs on his employees. ▪ I don't like having to impose myself on other people. 3 [no obj] : to ask for or expect more than is fair or reasonable
▪ She asked if I wanted a ride, but I declined. I didn't want to impose. [=I didn't want to cause trouble or inconvenience for her] — often + on or upon ▪ I didn't want to impose on her. = I didn't want to impose on her kindness. ▪ You shouldn't impose on/upon your friend's good nature.
▪ The judge imposed a life sentence. — usually + on or upon ▪ The judge imposed a life sentence on the defendant. ▪ impose [=levy] a tax on liquor ▪ A curfew has been imposed upon the city's youth.
b : to establish or create (something unwanted) in a forceful or harmful way
▪ I needed to break free from the limits imposed by my own fear of failure.
▪ She asked if I wanted a ride, but I declined. I didn't want to impose. [=I didn't want to cause trouble or inconvenience for her] — often + on or upon ▪ I didn't want to impose on her. = I didn't want to impose on her kindness. ▪ You shouldn't impose on/upon your friend's good nature.
