imposer

im·pose

 (ĭm-pōz′)

v. im·posed, im·pos·ing, im·pos·es

v.tr.

1. To establish or apply as compulsory; levy: impose a tax.

2. To bring about by authority or force; force to prevail: impose a peace settlement.

3. To obtrude or force (oneself, for example) on another or others.

4. Printing To arrange (type or plates) on an imposing stone.

5. To offer or circulate fraudulently; pass off: imposed a fraud on consumers.

v.intr.

To force oneself on or take unfair advantage of others: You are always imposing on their generosity.

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[Middle English imposen, from Old French imposer, alteration (influenced by poser, to put, place) of Latin impōnere, to place upon : in-, on; see in-² + pōnere, to place; see apo- in Indo-European roots.]

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im·pos′er n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.