imposition Definition
- 1the act of forcing someone to accept or put up with something that is not wanted or not convenient
- 2an unfair demand or burden placed on someone
Using imposition: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "imposition" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The new tax is an imposition on the working class.
Example
Asking me to work overtime on a weekend is an imposition.
Example
I don't want to be an imposition on your hospitality.
Example
It's an imposition to ask you to drive me to the airport.
imposition Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using imposition
put/place an imposition on someone
to make an unfair or unreasonable demand on someone
Example
I don't want to put an imposition on you, but could you lend me some money?
take umbrage at an imposition
to feel offended or insulted by an unfair demand or burden placed on oneself
Example
She took umbrage at the imposition of extra work on her already busy schedule.
to tolerate or endure an unfair or inconvenient demand or burden
Example
I'm willing to bear the imposition of a longer commute if it means a better job.
Phrases with imposition
a religious ritual in which a person places their hands on another person's head or body to convey a blessing or healing power
Example
The priest performed the imposition of hands on the sick man.
the act of commanding or forcing someone to be quiet or to stop speaking
Example
The teacher used the imposition of silence to control the noisy classroom.
the act of pronouncing a legal sentence or punishment on someone who has been found guilty of a crime
Example
The judge announced the imposition of sentence on the convicted criminal.
Origins of imposition
from Old French 'imposer', meaning 'to lay on, impose'
Summary: imposition in Brief
The term 'imposition' [ˌɪmpəˈzɪʃn] refers to the act of forcing someone to accept or put up with something unwanted or inconvenient. It can also mean an unfair demand or burden placed on someone. Examples include asking for a favor, imposing taxes, and demanding overtime work. Idioms like 'put/place an imposition on someone' and 'bear the imposition' describe the act of making an unfair or unreasonable demand on someone and tolerating or enduring an unfair or inconvenient demand or burden, respectively.