impose
(redirected from imposed)Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus.
be put upon
To be overburdened or over strained; to be imposed on, taken advantage of, or neglected. Voters from the region say they are being put upon because their beliefs don't line up with the majority of the country. I've been rather put upon at work lately, and it's really affecting my morale. When you're raising small children, it's easy to be put upon because they just need so much care.
impose on (someone or something)
1. To be overly demanding of someone. Often used of guests. I hope we're not imposing on you—I really thought Walter had confirmed with you that we could stay for two weeks. My family imposes on us all the time with zero hesitation—it's so annoying! A: "I know you're just a bellhop, so I don't want to impose on you." B: "No, it's not a problem at all. How can I help?"
2. To subject someone to something (which is usually stated between "impose" and "on"), especially when it is unwelcome or unsolicited. My parents keep trying to impose their religious views on me, but I just connect to a different religion more. You can't impose your belief system on your husband. We're all entitled to our own opinions, OK? So quit trying to impose your views on the rest of us!
3. To force someone to accept a law or similar legislature (which is usually stated between "impose" and "on"). If the government tries to impose that ridiculous law on us, they better be ready for a fight. Do you think the mayor will really be able to impose a tax on soda? If you impose this unpopular policy on your constituents, you'll likely be voted out of office.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
impose something (up)on someone
to force something on someone. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Don't try to impose your ideas upon me! The colonists tried to impose their values on the indigenous peoples.
impose (up)on someone
to be a bother to someone; to make a request of something to someone. (Often refers to being an overnight guest or having a meal at someone's house. Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) I don't mean to impose upon you, but could you put me up for the night? Don't worry, I won't let you impose on me.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
impose on
1. Force something on someone; also, levy a tax or duty. For example, Don't try to impose your ideas on me, or The British crown imposed a tariff on tea. [Late 1500s]
2. Force oneself on others; take unfair advantage of. For example, Am I imposing on you if I stay overnight? or He's always imposing on us, dropping in unexpectedly with numerous friends. [Early 1600s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
impose on
or impose uponv.
1. To make something prevail over someone or something by authority: The government imposes a tax on cigarettes. The tribunal imposed a sentence upon the defendant.
2. To force something, such as a set of rules or opinions, on someone: Don't impose your views on me.
3. To be an inconvenience to someone by requesting unreasonable favors: Our guests imposed on us by staying for three weeks.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.