impose. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

impose

SYLLABICATION:	im·pose
PRONUNCIATION:	m-pz
VERB:	Inflected forms: im·posed, im·pos·ing, im·pos·es
TRANSITIVE VERB:	1. To establish or apply as compulsory; levy: impose a tax. 2. To apply or make prevail by or as if by authority: impose a peace settlement. See synonyms at dictate. 3. To obtrude or force (oneself, for example) on another or others. 4. Printing To arrange (type or plates) on an imposing stone. 5. To offer or circulate fraudulently; pass off: imposed a fraud on consumers.
INTRANSITIVE VERB:	To take unfair advantage: You are always imposing on their generosity.
ETYMOLOGY:	Middle English imposen, from Old French imposer, alteration (influenced by poser, to put, place) of Latin impnere, to place upon : in-, on; see in–² + pnere, to place; see apo- in Appendix I.
OTHER FORMS:	im·poser —NOUN


The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.