impale

verb

im·​pale im-ˈpāl How to pronounce impale (audio)
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 noun
impaler noun

Examples of impale in a Sentence

impale a marshmallow or two on that stick and let's start toasting
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a creepy hitchhiker, a girl who becomes impaled by a meat hook, and graveyard vandalism, all told in a grainy, documentary style (including a series of unsettling radio reports and opening narration). Sydney Bishop, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 Turns out, Agatha was pushing her down to save her from being impaled by a sword. Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024 The horse got spooked and impaled itself on a fence. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 10 Oct. 2024 But just then, a lightning bolt hits a tree branch and sends it crashing to the ground, and when Gracie drops the knife, Eve shoves her — and Gracie is fatally impaled on a jagged branch. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impale 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of impale was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near impale

Cite this Entry

“Impale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impale. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

impale

verb
im·​pale im-ˈpā(ə)l How to pronounce impale (audio)
impaled; impaling
: to pierce with or as if with something pointed
impalement noun
impaler noun

More from Merriam-Webster on impale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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