impale

verb

im·​pale im-ˈpāl 

impaled; impaling

transitive verb

1

a

: to pierce with or as if with something pointed

slipped and impaled his leg on the spike

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 of impale

• stab
• pierce
• puncture
• pick
• stick
• jab

Examples of impale in a Sentence

impale a marshmallow or two on that stick and let's start toasting

Recent Examples on the Web

During the gameplay, Logan certainly gets his fair share of bloody kicks, deadly swipes, and claw impaling punches. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Just as Wolvie is hot on their trail, he’s impaled by a harpoon and the demo sadly comes to an end. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Rhaenyra is called into her chambers to find the window open, and Helaena impaled dead on the spikes below, one spike garrishly sticking out of her neck. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

David Cifaldi of Billings fell while hiking at high elevation and unintentionally impaled himself on one of his own trekking poles. — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 29 July 2026

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

Rhymes for impale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

impale

verb

im·​pale im-ˈpā(ə)l 

impaled; impaling

: to pierce with or as if with something pointed

impalement

-mənt 

noun

impaler

-ər 

noun