reimpose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “reimpose” mean?
To impose (a rule, tax, control, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To impose (a rule, tax, control, etc.) again after a period during which it was not in effect.
To bring back and enforce a previous condition, authority, or restriction; to reintroduce a system or order.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or grammatical differences. Usage context and frequency are similar.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of authority, control, and a possible unwelcome return to previous restrictions.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both varieties, used primarily in formal reporting and analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “reimpose” in a Sentence
[Subject] reimposes [Object] (on [Recipient])[Subject] reimposes [Object] after/because/following [Event]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reimpose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council plans to reimpose parking charges from next month.
- The occupying force sought to reimpose colonial authority.
American English
- The state decided to reimpose the mask mandate in hospitals.
- They moved to reimpose tariffs on imported steel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board voted to reimpose strict spending controls following the poor quarterly results.
Academic
The study examines the state's attempts to reimpose ideological homogeneity in the post-revolutionary period.
Everyday
After the holidays, I need to reimpose a proper sleep schedule for the kids.
Technical
The central bank may reimpose capital controls to stabilize the currency.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reimpose”
- Using 'reimpose' for a first-time imposition (incorrect: *The government will reimpose a new tax).
- Confusing with 'reinforce' (which means to strengthen, not to bring back).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Impose' means to establish or apply something for the first time or generally. 'Reimpose' specifically means to bring back and apply something that was previously in force but had been removed or lapsed.
It is possible but less common and formal (e.g., 'I reimposed my diet after the holidays'). It is more typically used for institutional, governmental, or authoritative actions.
It is a transitive verb; it requires a direct object (e.g., reimpose sanctions, reimpose control). You cannot say 'The government decided to reimpose.'
It is generally neutral but often carries a negative connotation as it frequently refers to the return of unwanted restrictions, controls, or burdens. The connotation depends entirely on context.
To impose (a rule, tax, control, etc.
Reimpose is usually formal in register.
Reimpose: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːɪmˈpəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːɪmˈpoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To reimpose one's will (on someone/something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a king (REI) putting a heavy POSe (statue) back on its pedestal. He is RE-IMPOSING his statue, re-establishing his authority.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS A BURDEN (to reimpose is to place that burden back on someone). ORDER IS A STRUCTURE (to reimpose is to rebuild that structure).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'reimpose' MOST appropriate?