— imposable , adj. — imposer , n.
/im pohz"/ , v. , imposed, imposing .
v.t.
1. to lay on or set as something to be borne, endured, obeyed, fulfilled, paid, etc.: to impose taxes.
2. to put or set by or as if by authority: to impose one's personal preference on others.
3. to obtrude or thrust (oneself, one's company, etc.) upon others.
4. to pass or palm off fraudulently or deceptively: He imposed his pretentious books on the public.
5. Print. to lay (type pages, plates, etc.) in proper order on an imposing stone or the like and secure in a chase for printing.
6. to lay on or inflict, as a penalty.
7. Archaic. to put or place on something, or in a particular place.
8. Obs. to lay on (the hands) ceremonially, as in confirmation or ordination.
v.i.
9. to make an impression on the mind; impose one's or its authority or influence.
10. to obtrude oneself or one's requirements, as upon others: Are you sure my request doesn't impose?
11. to presume, as upon patience or good nature.
12. impose on or upon ,
a. to thrust oneself offensively upon others; intrude.
b. to take unfair advantage of; misuse (influence, friendship, etc.).
c. to defraud; cheat; deceive: A study recently showed the shocking number of confidence men that impose on the public.
[ 1475-85; late ME imposer, equiv. to im- IM- 1 + poser to POSE 1 ; see also POSE 2 ]
Syn. 3. force, foist.