imposition

noun

im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzi-shən 

1

: something imposed: such as

a

: an excessive or uncalled-for requirement or burden

b

: levy, tax

2

: the act of imposing

3

: deception

4

: the order of arrangement of imposed pages

Synonyms

• assessment
• duty
• impost
• levy
• tax

Examples of imposition in a Sentence

Your kids can stay with me the night you're away—it's really not an imposition.

the imposition of a life sentence on the defendant

the imposition of a tax on liquor

Recent Examples on the Web

Persistent inflationary pressures remain with continual deficit spending, re-militarization of the world, restructuring of global trade, imposition of expensive green energy costs all compounding long-term inflation. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024

Compulsory heterosexuality, coined in 1980 by Adrienne Rich, is a term describing the societal imposition of heterosexuality on women. —Hannah Jocelyn, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

imposition

noun

im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzish-ən 

1

: the act of imposing

2

a

: something (as a tax) that is imposed

b

: a demand or request that is very troublesome