The word impose generally means to force something to be accepted or put into place. It can also refer to the act of establishing something, such as a rule, law, or condition, often without the consent of those affected.
For example, a government might impose new taxes on its citizens, or a teacher might impose strict rules in the classroom. In both cases, the action is being enforced without necessarily seeking approval from those who are impacted.
Another common usage of the word is in the phrase impose on, which means to take advantage of someone’s kindness or hospitality. For instance, if you stay at a friend’s house for too long, you might be said to be imposing on their generosity.
In summary, impose is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe the act of enforcing or establishing something, often without the consent of others.