impose

/ɪmˈpəʊz/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈpəʊz/ (ame, ipa) · /im-ˈpōz/ (ame, mw)

impose — verb

  • imposepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • imposeshe / she / it
  • imposedpast simple
  • imposing-ing form

1. 官方強制執行某項規則、法律、稅收或懲罰，要求人們遵守

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

官方強制執行某項規則、法律、稅收或懲罰，要求人們遵守

例句

The city council imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags across all supermarkets.

collocation: impose a ban on something

The judge imposed a heavy fine on the construction company for safety violations.

collocation: impose a fine on someone

同義詞
  • enforce

    focuses on making sure a rule is followed, not just putting it in place

  • levy

    used specifically for taxes, fines, or fees; highly formal

  • decree

    implies a direct order from an authority, often without discussion

反義詞
  • lift

    to remove a restriction or rule that had been imposed

  • abolish

    to formally put an end to a system, rule, or tax

文法句型

impose + noun (rule/tax/sanction) + on/upon + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently passive: 'A new tax was imposed on imported goods.' Subject is usually an authority (government, court, council).

常見錯誤

❌The school imposed the students a new uniform rule.
✅The school imposed a new uniform rule on the students.
💡The object being imposed comes first, followed by 'on/upon' and the target.

2. 強迫他人接受自己的想法、信仰或生活方式，即使對方並不贊同

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

強迫他人接受自己的想法、信仰或生活方式，即使對方並不贊同

例句

Colonial powers often imposed their language and religion on the people they ruled.

pattern: impose + abstract noun (language/religion) + on + group

Minho's parents never tried to impose their career choices on him when he grew up.

同義詞
  • foist

    stronger negative tone; implies trickery or deception

  • force upon

    more direct but less formal; used in everyday speech

反義詞
  • respect

    to accept someone's right to have different beliefs

文法句型

impose + one's ideas/beliefs/views + on/upon + someone

用法筆記

Often carries a negative connotation of forcing something unwanted. Object is typically a belief, value, opinion, or way of life.

3. 不合理地要求他人花時間或力氣幫忙，或打擾對方造成不便

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

不合理地要求他人花時間或力氣幫忙，或打擾對方造成不便

例句

Christopher did not want to impose on his friend's hospitality by staying another week.

collocation: impose on someone's hospitality

Would I be imposing if I asked you for a ride to the train station?

polite question form: Would I be imposing if...

同義詞
  • take advantage of

    stronger accusation; implies deliberate unfairness

  • burden

    more direct; used when the favour is quite heavy

反義詞

文法句型

impose on/upon + someone

impose on + someone's + noun (time/hospitality/kindness)

用法筆記

Commonly used in polite requests: 'I hope I'm not imposing, but…' Typically used in the pattern 'impose on/upon + person.' Not followed by a direct object.

常見錯誤

❌I hope I don't impose you.
✅I hope I don't impose on you.
💡This sense always requires the preposition 'on' or 'upon.'

4. 迫使他人承受困難、痛苦或不愉快的情況或責任

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

迫使他人承受困難、痛苦或不愉快的情況或責任

例句

The new regulations imposed an enormous paperwork burden on small business owners.

collocation: impose a burden on someone

Abigail did not want to impose her money worries on her friends during dinner.

同義詞
反義詞
  • relieve

    to remove or reduce a burden that someone is carrying

文法句型

impose + something difficult/unpleasant + on/upon + someone

用法筆記

The object is something unwanted or painful (burden, suffering, hardship, strain). Distinguish from sense 2 (ideas/beliefs) where the object is a viewpoint or value.