impale
1 of 1verb/ɪmˈpeɪl/
Forms:impales,impaling,impaled,impaled
1
to pierce through something with a sharp or pointed object
transitive- He impaled the document with a pushpin to attach it to the bulletin board.
- The gardener accidentally impaled his foot on a hidden spike in the soil.
- The tree branch impaled the car's windshield during the storm.
- She impaled the apple with a toothpick to hold it in place for dipping in caramel.
2
to torture or execute someone by affixing them to a sharp stake
transitive- In ancient times, prisoners were impaled as a form of public execution.
- The conquerors impaled their enemies as a warning to others who dared to resist.
- The tyrant ordered dissenters to be impaled in the town square as a deterrent.
- Legend has it that vampires impale their victims on wooden stakes to drain their blood.
- The medieval torture chamber displayed various instruments used to impale prisoners.
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