to impose or collect a tax, fee, or fine, to enlist or conscript into military service

pay the levy, take a levy on something, a levy of execution

levy war, levy a toll, levy a lien

Formal and Informal Expressions of levy

In different contexts, you can replace 'levy' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'impose, collect' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'slap, stick' is a commonplace synonym.

levy: Explore its Definition & Usage

levy Definition

1to impose or collect a tax, fee, or fine
2to enlist or conscript into military service

Using levy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "levy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.
Example
The company was fined for violating environmental regulations.
Example
The king levied troops to fight in the war.
Example
The city council levied a fee for parking in the downtown area.

levy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for levy

Antonyms for levy

Idioms Using levy

pay the levy
to pay a required fee or tax
Example
All businesses are required to pay the levy to the local government.
take a levy on something
to take a portion of something as a tax or fee
Example
The government decided to take a levy on all imported goods to protect domestic industries.
a levy of execution
a legal order to seize someone's property to satisfy a debt or judgment
Example
The court issued a levy of execution on the debtor's property to recover the outstanding amount.

Phrases with levy

levy war
to declare war or engage in hostilities against another country
Example
The country decided to levy war against its neighbor after diplomatic efforts failed.
levy a toll
to charge a fee for using a particular road or bridge
Example
The state government decided to levy a toll on the newly constructed bridge to fund its maintenance.
levy a lien
to place a legal claim on someone's property as security for a debt
Example
The bank decided to levy a lien on the property of the borrower who had defaulted on their loan.

Origins of levy

from Old French 'levée', meaning 'a raising'

📌

Summary: levy in Brief

The verb 'levy' [ˈlɛvi] means to impose or collect a tax, fee, or fine, or to enlist or conscript into military service. Examples include 'The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.' and 'The king levied troops to fight in the war.' The phrase 'pay the levy' denotes paying a required fee or tax, while 'a levy of execution' refers to a legal order to seize someone's property to satisfy a debt or judgment.