Children's, Intermediate and Advanced Online English Dictionary & Thesaurus

Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
   
Display options
Show syllables
Show Lookup History
Double-Click Lookup
  Show Spanish support
 
Pronunciation
Wordsmyth
  Phonics
  IPA
 
Entry formats
Standard
  Classic
   

im·pose

impose

pronunciation:
ihm poz
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
impose on, impose upon
features:
Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: imposed, imposes, imposing
definition 1: to institute or establish as something to be fulfilled or borne.
The state imposed taxes on the sale of liquor.
 
synonyms:
establish, institute, set
antonyms:
lift
similar words:
assess, dictate, inflict, initiate, introduce, ordain, originate, prescribe, put
definition 2: to force (oneself) on another or others.
They asked me to stay the night, but I didn't want to impose myself on them.
synonyms:
force, pressure
similar words:
coerce, compel, dictate, foist, inflict, influence, intrude, obtrude, put, thrust
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to force one's own needs or desires upon others, as by presuming upon their tolerance or by interrupting.
I'm sorry to impose, but I was wondering if I could discuss something with you.
synonyms:
intrude, obtrude
similar words:
interrupt, presume, thrust
phrase: impose on
phrase: impose upon
derivation: imposing (adj.)
Word Explorer
See
  tax