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.
Instead, the characters keep finding themselves in implausibly dangerous situations, where a procession of coincidences might lead to them getting squished, impaled, or otherwise maimed. David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 Flagpole through the chest (Final Destination 3) Perry Malinowski (Maggie Ma) is impaled by a flagpole that whizzes through the air, javelin style. Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025 But the game is attractive in its own way: Demonic portals glow violently and cast an orange light around the rocky environment, and beaming light shafts highlight ghastly scenes, like impaled soldiers and other gruesome wreckage. Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 12 May 2025 The jaws were likely used to pin and impale their helpless prey. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impale. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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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