Definition of: impose

(im·pōz′) v.t. ·posed, ·pos·ing
1. To place or lay by authority, as something to be borne, endured, or obeyed: to impose a tax or penalty.
2. To place by or as by force: to impose opinions on another.
3. To obtrude or force (oneself, one's presence, etc.) upon others.
4. To palm off (something) as true or genuine; foist.
5. Printing To arrange in a form, as pages of type.
6. Eccl. To Jay on (hands), as in confirmation or ordination.
7. Obs. To lay down; deposit.
—to impose on (or upon)
1. To take advantage of; presume.
2. To cheat or deceive by trickery or false representation.
3. To make an impression; influence.
—noun Obs. An injunction; command. [<F imposer <im- on + poser. See POSE¹.]
—im·pos′a·ble adjective
—im·pos′er noun