online vocabulary.com

Impale - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To impale means to pierce or stab with a sharp object, often causing the victim to be pinned or stuck. It is commonly used in contexts involving spears, stakes, or other pointed weapons.

impale

/ɪmˈpeɪl/ /ɪmˈpeɪl/

Definition:

To pierce or transfix with a sharp object, often causing death or severe injury.

Synonyms:

spear, skewer, stab, transfix

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

release, free

Common Collocations:

impale on a spike, impale with a spear, impale through the chest

Derivatives:

impalement, impaling

Usage Tips:

Use "impale" to describe piercing deeply with a sharp object, often violently or fatally.

Common Phrases:

impaled on a stake, impaled by fate, impaled through the heart

Etymology:

From Latin "impalare," meaning "to fix on a stake," combining "in-" (on) and "palus" (stake).

Examples:

  • 1. The knight was impaled by the enemy's lance.
  • 2. She shuddered at the thought of being impaled on the fence.
  • 3. The hunter impaled the fish with a sharp stick.
  • 4. Legends say vampires can be killed by impaling them with wood.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS