Impose Meaning
Impose Definition & Usage
To apply a burden or pressure on someone or something, often in a way that is perceived as intrusive or authoritative.
Examples
- "The government decided to impose stricter regulations on online businesses."
- "The teacher imposed a deadline on the group project, which caused stress among the students."
- "She didn't want to impose on her friend by asking for help, but she had no choice."
- "He felt as if the new rules were being imposed on him without his input."
- "The company plans to impose a new dress code for its employees starting next month."
To officially or legally put something in place or force its acceptance.
Examples
- "The new tax laws were imposed on businesses last year."
- "The city council voted to impose a curfew in response to increasing crime rates."
- "The organization imposed a ban on smoking in all public spaces."
- "International sanctions were imposed on the country after the human rights violations."
- "The school board has imposed new regulations for student behavior during lunch breaks."
To make something compulsory or expected, especially when it is inconvenient or difficult.
Examples
- "The company imposed a fee for late payments, which was a financial burden for many customers."
- "They imposed a fine on the business for failing to meet safety standards."
- "She imposed a rule on her children not to watch TV until after homework was done."
- "I don't want to impose my opinions on others, but I feel strongly about this issue."
- "The event organizers imposed a strict policy on late arrivals, resulting in some guests missing out."
Cultural Context
The word 'impose' has its roots in Latin, from 'imponere', meaning 'to place upon'. Over time, it has evolved to carry connotations of authority, control, and sometimes unwelcome force. In modern usage, 'impose' is often used to describe situations where rules, burdens, or restrictions are placed on individuals or groups, often without their consent or input.
The Burden of Authority
Story
The Burden of Authority
It was a quiet afternoon in the small town of Harwich, and Sarah, a local councilor, was preparing for an important meeting. She had recently proposed a series of new policies aimed at improving the town's infrastructure. However, she knew that many residents might feel that these policies were being imposed upon them, and she had to carefully explain the reasoning behind each decision. 'I don’t want to seem like I'm imposing these rules,' she thought, 'but they are necessary for the town’s future.' Later that day, during the meeting, Sarah addressed the concerned residents. 'These regulations are meant to improve our roads and make the town safer for everyone. Yes, they may be inconvenient, but they will ultimately benefit all of us in the long run.' She saw some heads nodding in agreement, but others still looked uneasy. John, a local shopkeeper, raised his hand. 'I understand the need for change, but don’t you think some of these rules are too harsh? They’re being imposed on us without considering the challenges we face as small business owners.' Sarah nodded, recognizing the fairness in his argument. She had to acknowledge that not all changes would be universally welcomed. 'I hear your concerns, John, and I promise we will work together to make these changes as smooth as possible. But some of these measures are simply necessary for the greater good.' After the meeting, Sarah reflected on how difficult it was to make decisions that would affect everyone, but sometimes leadership required imposing necessary changes, even when it wasn’t popular. She realized that while her intentions were good, the word 'impose' would always carry a certain weight, a burden of its own. As the months passed, Sarah continued to impose her policies, but she also learned to listen more closely to her community, trying to strike a balance between authority and understanding. The town slowly adjusted to the changes, and though some were still unhappy, the improvements became undeniable. In the end, the town of Harwich flourished, but Sarah never forgot the weight of the word 'impose'.
Related Words
