impale — to pierce with a sharp pointed object
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to pierce with a sharp pointed object
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪmˈpeɪl/
Example Sentences
- The vampire hunter forgot that garlic doesn't impale vampires - stakes do!
- Be careful not to impale yourself on that fence while climbing over.
- The chef managed to impale three cherry tomatoes on one toothpick.
impale
VERB[/ɪmˈpeɪl/]
to pierce with a sharp pointed object
Falling from the tree, the smooth red apple was violently impaled on the sharp iron fence.
IM(into) + PALE(wooden stick) — the chef pushed the thick meat INto the sharp wooden PALE to impale it for the barbecue.
With a single heavy swing, the giant silver nail was used to completely impale the thick wooden board.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word derives from Latin, combining 'in' (into) and 'palus' (stake, pale). The term emerged from the medieval execution method of impalement, a gruesome practice of piercing a body with a stake.
Breakdown
im- (into) + -pale (stake, from Latin palus). The prefix im- is the assimilated form of 'in-' before the 'p', while '-pale' comes from the Latin noun palus meaning a pointed stake or pale.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The vampire hunter forgot that garlic doesn't impale vampires - stakes do!”
“Be careful not to impale yourself on that fence while climbing over.”
“The chef managed to impale three cherry tomatoes on one toothpick.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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