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Glite Dictionary
to impose a fine

to impose a fine

1 3.8
Officially order someone to pay money as punishment for breaking a rule
  • phrasal verb
  • /ɪmˈpoʊz ə faɪn/
  • Formal
translation icon : imponer una multa
  • When arraigned before Justice Wallace, the offending garments were laid on his honor's desk, and he promptly imposed a fine of $25.

Examples

  • The school board will impose a fine on students who miss more than five days without an excuse.

  • The ACC could potentially impose a fine or suspend Rashad after viewing the film.

    Blog text (5)

  • We have therefore decided to impose a fine of 500 pounds.

    The Damned United (2009)

  • You may also wish to impose a fine for violation of this rule.

    Blog text (22)

  • AHCA imposed a fine of $7,500, a spokeswoman said, but the fine has yet to be collected.

    Blog text (23)

  • Although Aunt Tammy managed to embarrass the local magistrates, they recovered enough dignity to impose a fine on the daughter, which the mother was required to pay.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Old Farmer, the county of Santa Cruz here in California, just passed a regulation that allows them to impose a fine of up to $10,000 per year for any property owner who converts part of his property to a rental without their permission.

    Blog text (32)

  • Since 1999, the Khonoma Village Council has successfully banned hunting in its entire jurisdiction and has imposed a fine of Rs. 3000 upon the few misbehaving individuals for every single bird or animal shot in its initial years.

    Blog text (8)

  • The city decided to impose a fine of $150 for anyone who parks in the wrong zone.

  • After the investigation, the authorities chose to impose a fine on the company for violating safety regulations.

Synonyms

to fine
vsto impose a fine
107 3.4

Make someone pay money as punishment for breaking a law or rule

is an official order to make payment as a legal penalty
to penalize
vsto impose a fine
  • US
60 5.5

Punish someone or make them suffer a loss for breaking a rule

specifically orders a financial payment as a legal punishment rather than other harms
to issue a ticket
vsto impose a fine
  • Formal
2 3.1

To give an official notice that fines someone for breaking a law

orders someone to pay money formally rather than just giving notice
to mulct
vsto impose a fine
  • Archaic
9.9

Make someone pay money as a punishment for breaking a rule

limits this to an official order to pay money rather than other penalties
to amerce
vsto impose a fine
  • Archaic
9.9

To make someone pay a fine ordered by a court

is a general official order not limited to courts or historical law

Antonyms

to forgive
∞ 1.4

To stop feeling angry at someone or yourself for a mistake

to waive
  • Formal
107 6.6

Choose not to use a right or to charge a fee

How Punitive

to imprison
  • Formal
178 4.2
to punish
821 1.0
to penalize
  • US
60 5.5
to impose a fine
  • Formal
1 3.8
to warn
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

impose a fine infinitive
imposed a fine past
imposed a fine past participle
imposing a fine present participle
imposes a fine third person singular

Morphology

impose + a + fine

Both constituents contribute their literal meanings: 'impose' (to officially place or order) and 'fine' (a monetary penalty), so the phrase straightforwardly means to order someone to pay a penalty. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically and the article 'a' is semantically neutral, making the MWE immediately understandable to learners who know the parts.

Etymology

Impose a fine comes from the simple image of an authority 'putting' a cost on someone: impose means to place or put on, and fine is the money set as punishment. So to impose a fine means to order someone 'to pay a financial penalty'.