v. 1 tr. (often foll. by on, upon) require (a tax, duty, charge, or obligation) to be paid or undertaken (by a person etc.). 2 tr. enforce compliance with. 3 intr. & refl. (foll. by on, upon, or absol.) demand the attention or commitment of (a person); take advantage of (I do not want to impose on you any longer; I did not want to impose). 4 tr. (often foll. by on, upon) palm (a thing) off on (a person). 5 tr. Printing lay (pages of type) in the proper order ready for printing. 6 intr. (foll. by on, upon) exert influence by an impressive character or appearance. 7 intr. (often foll. by on, upon) practise deception. 8 tr. archaic (foll. by upon) place (a thing).
[ ME f. F imposer f. L imponere imposit- inflict, deceive (as IN-(2), ponere put) ]