impale
verb
im·pale im-ˈpāl 
impaled; impaling
transitive verb
1
a
: to pierce with or as if with something pointed
especially : to torture or kill by fixing on a sharp stake
b
: to fix in an inescapable or helpless position
2
: to join (coats of arms) on a heraldic shield divided vertically by a pale
impalement
im-ˈpāl-mənt
noun impaler
im-ˈpā-lər
noun 
Synonyms
- gore
- harpoon
- jab
- lance
- peck
- pick
- pierce
- pink
- puncture
- run through
- skewer
- spear
- spike
- spit
- stab
- stick
- transfix
- transpierce
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
impale a marshmallow or two on that stick and let's start toasting
Recent Examples on the Web Researchers believe the dinosaur held its prey with its arms, then kicked it with one leg, using its hind claw to impale and kill it. 
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 May 2022 Later, Strange will impale Sinister Strange in the reality that the latter destroyed magical powers devastating a man’s head – this could be Wanda killing the primary Mordo early in the movie. Chris Smith, BGR, 26 Apr. 2022 While there’s nothing on an Edmontosaurus that can impale or bash a tyrannosaur, hadrosaurs can still deliver powerful kicks and thrashes that can break bone. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2022 Wanda might impale Balder the Brave in the Illuminati reality. Chris Smith, BGR, 26 Apr. 2022 Can impale the skulls of intruders with professionalism and a positive attitude. Patrick Clair, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2022 But anyone who has ever clung onto one during a particularly enthusiastic sea breeze knows how quickly the beachside staple can turn into an airborne weapon, flying off to impale an unsuspecting sunbather. Stephanie Krikorian, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2021 Each of her glass slippers is outfitted with a nail that would impale the heel of any would-be princess. Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2021 Some tree stands have a spike in the middle on which to impale the tree; others use adjustable bolts or fasteners to hold it upright. Jessica Roy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2020 See More
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 May 2022 Later, Strange will impale Sinister Strange in the reality that the latter destroyed magical powers devastating a man’s head – this could be Wanda killing the primary Mordo early in the movie. Chris Smith, BGR, 26 Apr. 2022 While there’s nothing on an Edmontosaurus that can impale or bash a tyrannosaur, hadrosaurs can still deliver powerful kicks and thrashes that can break bone. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Apr. 2022 Wanda might impale Balder the Brave in the Illuminati reality. Chris Smith, BGR, 26 Apr. 2022 Can impale the skulls of intruders with professionalism and a positive attitude. Patrick Clair, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2022 But anyone who has ever clung onto one during a particularly enthusiastic sea breeze knows how quickly the beachside staple can turn into an airborne weapon, flying off to impale an unsuspecting sunbather. Stephanie Krikorian, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2021 Each of her glass slippers is outfitted with a nail that would impale the heel of any would-be princess. Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2021 Some tree stands have a spike in the middle on which to impale the tree; others use adjustable bolts or fasteners to hold it upright. Jessica Roy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French empaler, from Medieval Latin impalare, from Latin in- + palus stake — more at pole
First Known Use
1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Kids Definition
impale
verb
im·pale im-ˈpāl
impaled; impaling
: to pierce with something pointed
impales
verb
as in stabs
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object impale a marshmallow or two on that stick and let's start toasting Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- stabs
- pierces
- punctures
- sticks
- jabs
- picks
- spits
- pecks
- spears
- spikes
- lances
- skewers
- harpoons
- gores
- transfixes
- pokes
- slices
- runs through
- punches
- pinks
- perforates
- transpierces
- thrusts
- bayonets
- pikes
- spindles
- pricks
- quills
- prongs
- poniards
- dirks
- cuts
- riddles
- pinpricks
- gimlets
- knifes