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

• 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

Stevenson, who was on probation and is not legally allowed to own a firearm, is accused of killing his victim after impaling him with an arrow, according to the RPD. —Chris Spargo, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Look for deadfall before pitching the Gatewood Cape, so as best to avoid being impaled by the top half of a tree. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside, 2 Sep. 2025

There will already be dead bodies of some of the Vaulters scattered around, including their poor wedding officiant, who got impaled on the wall. —Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

There’s even duck boats now, albeit with goons impaled by an anchor and buoy. —Mark Kennedy, Boston Herald, 14 Aug. 2025

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