impalement

noun

im·​pale·​ment -mənt 

plural -s

1

: the act of impaling or the state of being impaled: such as

a(1)

archaic : enclosing, encircling, confining

(2)

: the union of two or more coats of arms side by side on a heraldic shield divided palewise

b

: a piercing or piercing through with a pale, spike, or other pointed thing (as for fixing in a position or by an accidental fall)

c(1)

: a placing or a being placed in an inescapable and awkward position (as of defeat or helplessness)

(2)

: a deflating or a being deflated by telling logic or biting wit

2

: an enclosing fence or palisade

Word History

Etymology

Middle French empalement, from empaler + -ment

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Rhymes for impalement

• ailment
• bailment
• curtailment
• derailment
• entailment