This means to make someone follow a rule or law. It happens when a person or group makes others do something they may not want to do.
The teacher imposes rules in class.
The government imposed a new tax today.
This use means to make someone accept problems, ideas, or feelings they do not want. It often feels unfair to the person receiving it.
He imposes his ideas on the group.
Do not impose your problems on me.
This meaning is about official money costs that a government or person makes others pay, like taxes or fines. It is a formal action.
The city imposed a fine on the driver.
They imposed new charges on imports.
In art or design, to impose means to put one thing over another. It can show combining or adding parts in a clear order.
They imposed the new design on the old plan.
The artist imposed colors on the blank canvas.
In printing, imposing means putting pages in the right order so they print correctly. It is a technical term used by printers.
The printer imposed the pages for the book.
Workers imposed sheets to prepare for printing.
This meaning is about asking too much or depending too much on others, which is not fair. It often makes people feel uncomfortable.
She always imposes on her friends.
Don't impose on their kindness too much.
In law, to impose sometimes means to officially give a punishment, like time in prison. This is a formal use in courts.
The court imposed a five-year sentence.
They imposed a jail term on the criminal.
