impose: Meaning and Definition of

im•pose

Pronunciation: (im-pōz'), [key]
— v., -posed, -pos•ing.
—v.t.
  1. to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc.: to impose taxes.
  2. to put or set by or as if by authority: to impose one's personal preference on others.
  3. to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others.
  4. to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively: He imposed his pretentious books on the public.
  5. to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing.
  6. to lay on or inflict, as a penalty.
  7. to put or place on something, or in a particular place.
  8. to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination.
—v.i.
  1. to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence.
  2. to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others: Are you sure my request doesn't impose?
  3. to presume, as upon patience or good nature.
  4. A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.
    1. to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
    2. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
    3. to defraud; cheat; deceive:A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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