Imposed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imposed

[ɪmˈpoʊzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

authority enforcement

To impose means to establish or apply something by authority or force. It often refers to burdens, restrictions, rules, or taxes that are enacted upon others. The term can also imply setting something in a specific way that is not wanted by the parties affected.

Synonyms

dictate, enforce, levy.

Examples of usage

  • The government imposed new taxes on imports.
  • He imposed his will on the team, making all the decisions.
  • The teacher imposed strict deadlines on the students.
  • The regulations imposed by the city impacted local businesses.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Laws can be imposed by governments to maintain order in society.
  • Imposed sentences in criminal law detail what punishments a judge lays upon a convict.
  • Organizations often impose policies for professional conduct among members.

Psychology

  • When people feel that rules are imposed on them, they may experience resistance or react negatively.
  • Imposition can affect motivation; imposed tasks may feel less rewarding than those chosen voluntarily.
  • The concept of imposed social norms shows how society influences individual behavior.

Cultural Impact

  • Throughout history, certain cultures have imposed their beliefs and practices on others during colonialism.
  • Fashion trends can be imposed by celebrities and influencers, affecting how people dress and behave.
  • Social media often imposes standards of beauty that can impact self-esteem and identity.

Common Usage

  • In everyday language, someone might say 'Don't impose your ideas on me' to express a desire for personal boundaries.
  • Businesses often impose deadlines that must be met, impacting employees' work-life balance.
  • When someone moves into a new home, they may feel imposed upon by decorating expectations from friends or family.

Origin of 'imposed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'imponere', which means 'to place upon'.
  • It originally meant to physically place something on another item, but it evolved to include abstract ideas like rules and expectations.
  • In Middle English, it was used in sentences referring to laying down burdens or responsibilities.

The word 'impose' originates from the Latin term 'imponere', which means 'to place upon' or 'to put on'. The term is composed of 'in-', meaning 'on' or 'upon', and 'ponere', which means 'to place' or 'to put'. The usage evolved through Old French 'imposer' before entering English in the late Middle Ages. Initially, it conveyed the sense of placing a burden or duty upon someone or something, which is reflected in its contemporary meanings of enforcing rules or regulations. Over time, 'impose' has retained the connotation of asserting authority over others, often with negative implications regarding the unwelcome nature of such assertions.


Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,975, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.